Peel off the petals outside the bud and dry them in the sun. Artichokes, also known as artichokes and French lilies, are perennial herbs of Compositae, native to the Mediterranean coast. Its main edible part is the tender bracts in flower buds. It is a precious nutritious and healthy vegetable, and is known as the "king of vegetables" abroad. The petals wrapped in flower buds are peeled off and dried.