Folks in the Bay Area already know about the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, which is returning this year in drive-thru form and with a few other differences from festivals’ past. But did you know there are also several other summer festivals around here dedicated to a single type of produce?
The first artichokes were planted in Castroville in 1922 — nearly a century ago.
We may have already missed the San Joaquin Valley Asparagus Festival, and we’re not sure if the Hayward Zucchini Festival will happen this year or not. But hold on to your outer petals, because you can still peel down to Monterey this weekend for the 61st Artichoke Festival.
Who knew that aside from seafood, a world-class aquarium, and “Big Little Lies,” that Monterey is also the self-proclaimed artichoke center of the world? And that artichokes are the official state vegetable of California? Am I a bad Californian for not knowing those things? Well… I also don’t really like artichokes. I may have received an artichoke in a CSA delivery once, but if I did, I’ve blocked that memory.
I don’t get those prickly leaves of which you can only eat half, preferably smothered in something like mayonnaise. To me, parts of the ‘choke can be kind of meaty, but in a watery, sour, stringy kind of way. My confusion over why people go nuts over artichokes—or “fartichokes,” seriously —is why it’s necessary to delve into this year’s festival.
Marilyn Monroe was actually crowned California’s first Artichoke Queen in 1948 in Castroville, 11 years before the official festival began in 1959.
First, though, a little history. Originally believed to be of Mediterranean origin, artichokes eventually made their way to Italy via an Arab group called the Saracens. The climate made for a successful home, which is why Italy is strongly associated with artichokes. The Spanish later brought artichokes to the U.S., and California farmland, with its Mediterranean-like climate, also made a comfortable home for the thistle-y plants to grow.
The first artichokes were planted in Castroville in 1922 — nearly a century ago. Now, that small area alone grows about two-thirds of the U.S.’s artichoke supply, with the rest mostly coming from other parts of California.
Marilyn Monroe was actually crowned California’s first Artichoke Queen in 1948 in Castroville, 11 years before the official festival began in 1959. Today, the festival operates as a non-profit, providing funds for other local non-profit groups such as the Monterey County Food Bank and Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc.
With my respect for the globe-like vegetable growing bit by bit as I learn more about it, I’m curious to see what foods may actually get me to eat parts of it again. I’m guessing those dishes may be swimming in cheese and/or deep-fried. This year’s festival food offerings promise artichoke lumpia and artichoke cupcakes, which hold the possibilities of something interesting, and maybe even tasty.
Some of the artichoke art actually looks like weed buds, and I think that makes it all the better.
Other happenings will include an artichoke eating contest, which I kind of wants to watch in horror. A car show is a new addition to this year’s festival. While I don’t know what cars have to do with artichokes, I’m always down to look at more shiny, pretty things. Speaking of things that have nothing to do with artichokes, there will also be an artichoke quilt challenge! It sounds so quaint, but photos of past winners’ quilts show the serious level of skill it takes to win this thing. Then of course you’ve also got live music, chef demos, and wine tasting (almost requisite for any California event).
If you’re so charmed by the giant flower bud by the end of the fest, there’s always the merch. Whether you need artichoke socks, artichoke stress balls, or artichoke trivets, the fest has got you covered. Some of the artichoke art actually looks like weed buds, and I think that makes it all the better.
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See you down the coast this weekend, gettin’ hot and thorny.
Artichoke Festival, Sat 7/24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun 7/25, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Rd., Monterey, CA 93940
