Cynara, the nymph, was transformed into an artichoke because she refused Zeus. This did not diminish the ancient Greeks' love for the plant. Precursors of our artichoke were valued in ancient Egypt as well as in Rome during the imperial era. It wasn't until the 15th century that the artichoke was brought to Italy via Arabia. Catherine de Medici took it with her to her new home in France, where artichokes became an exclusive fashionable vegetable, particularly due to their aphrodisiac properties. The artichoke has also proven itself as a medicinal plant: as tea, fresh plant juice, extract, or digestif, it supports the function of the liver and gallbladder and lowers cholesterol levels. Today, 40% of artichokes come from Italy. Bruno Ciccaglione's book, featuring unusual recipes from "alla giudìa" to artichoke sorbet (many of which are his own creations), is sure to inspire.