Monterey. A walk along the Artichoke Route – Milenio Group

Known as “the salad plate of the world“(The Salad Bowl of the World), the Salinas Valley has earned this reputation thanks to generations of effort, innovation and an ideal climate for agriculture. With fertile soil and temperate climate, this region of California produces a variety of crops that feed the world: lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes; but among its treasures, artichokes occupy a special place.

Thanks to the coastal fog and cool breezes, the Salinas Valley is perfect for year-round cultivation. In fact, almost two-thirds of the world’s artichokes come from the Monterey Countywhere is located Castrovillea small town of less than 10 thousand inhabitants known as the “Artichoke Capital of the World.”

For lovers of gastronomy From farm to table, and of course artichoke fans, the Artichoke Trail offers an entertaining tour with more than 20 stops, including restaurants, farms and events celebrating this ingredient.

The experience highlights the region’s agricultural heritage and its passion for the artichoke, but also the beauty of the coasts of Monterey and places like Carmel-by-the-Sea.

It all started in the 1920s, when Andrew Molera introduced artichoke cultivation to Monterey County after discovering an edible thistle on the coast of San Mateo. Together with his tenant farmers, he founded Monterey Bay Artichoke Growers, Inc., and they began marketing artichokes under the Sea-Lion brand.

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He Molera’s leadership was key to establishing the artichoke industry in this region, making Castroville consolidate as Artichoke capital of the worldto. In fact, the Sea-Lion Fancy California Artichoke brand label is still displayed in honor of their legacy.

You can delve deeper into the history of the region by visiting the Cooper Molera Adobe, a historic site of the National Trust which highlights the area’s crucial role in the development of the artichoke industry in the United States.

The annual festival

This vibrant event that has been celebrated for more than 60 yearss usually brings together farmers, chefs, artists and visitors to pay tribute to California’s official state vegetable: the artichoke. Every June Castroville becomes a hub of activity with farmers markets, artichoke-themed cooking competitions, wine tastings and music shows.

They also highlight the cooking demonstrationswhere local chefs show creative ways to prepare artichokes; from fried, stuffed delicacies or even artichoke cupcakes, demonstrating the versatility of this delicious ingredient.

Pezzini Farms has been growing artichokes for over 80 years; you have to visit it. Just a short drive from Castroville, you can take a guided walk through the fields to learn how artichokes are grown, harvested and prepared. And visit its famous Choke Coach, a food truck that serves artichoke po’boys, fried artichoke hearts and other delicacies.

For a self-guided tour option, there is the statue of the “world’s largest artichoke” at The Giant Artichoke restaurant in Castrovillewhich has a full menu with offerings like pizza, soup, and even artichoke nachos.

In this same town there are specialties like the Artichoke Provencal at Phil’s Fish Market. Other options include the lemon artichoke butter from Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette which overlooks the sea, or the artichoke and fontina ravioli from Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, each with their own charm.

Along the route they also highlight the Farmers MarketCarmel’s Bistro Giovanni and Forge in the Forest in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and further south, Post Ranch Inn, an iconic hotel with stunning views above the clouds.

In the city of Monterey there are stops like Old Fisherman’s Grotto (where you have to eat Clam Chowder) or Julia’s Vegetarian Restaurant, but we highlight Cella Restaurant & Bar, which boasts a cocktail with artichoke Amaro and roasted artichoke rim.

The artichoke route not only invites you to explore the agricultural heart of Monterey and its vibrant farm-to-table culture, but also its outstanding nature on scenic drives like the 17-mile drive through picturesque Pebble Beach. In addition to delighting you with original dishes, this Route is an authentic celebration of the flavor, tradition and sense of community of Monterey County.

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