National Artichoke Hearts Day is observed in the USA on March 16 every year, celebrating the delicious flower buds of the artichoke plant. Although often classified as a vegetable, artichokes are part of the sunflower family and have a rich history dating back to around 40-70 AD, when they were first mentioned in a medicinal book. Believed to originate in the Mediterranean region, artichokes were cultivated by Spanish settlers in California during the 1600s, but they only gained popularity in America in the early 1900s. Interestingly, in the 1920s, artichokes were briefly outlawed in New York to combat mafia-driven price gouging. On this day, people are encouraged to try new recipes featuring artichokes, making it a culinary celebration of this unique food.