Artichokes Picked as California’s Official State Vegetable

California artichokes have a new appeal with its distinction as being chosen the official state vegetable by Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom this week.

The drive to name the official state food of California was organized by KGO Radio in San Francisco and was based on votes made through Facebook. Other foods nominated by KGO listeners included almonds, avocados, crab, Sourdough bread and grapes/wine.

“Our artichoke consumers, fans and club members rallied to vote for the artichoke -- and won,” said Kori Tuggle, director of marketing and business development for Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms.

Newsom, who is presently serving as acting governor while Gov. Jerry Brown is on a trade mission to China, declared the artichoke as the California state vegetable as his first “official act” on KGO Morning News Radio.

Tuggle said artichoke’s new status “comes at a perfect time just as we are just hitting the peak of artichoke season in Castroville the artichoke growing region capital.”

Representatives from Ocean Mist Farms will visit the state capital with Chef Ryan Scott to prepare Newsom, an artichoke dinner in celebration of the official state proclamation.