What Does Science Say About the “Strunjan Artichoke”?

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The “Strunjan Artichoke” has been cultivated in this area for generations. But if we want to prove that it is truly something special, oral tradition alone is not enough – scientific evidence is needed.

That evidence is now here. In 2025, a study was published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, comparing the “Strunjan Artichoke” with two established Italian varieties, “Romanesco” and “Violetto di Romagna”. The study was co-authored by two researchers from the University of Primorska – UP FAMNIT, who are also partners in our project.

Genetic analysis confirmed that the “Strunjan Artichoke” represents a distinct gene pool and clearly differs from both Italian varieties. Differences were also found in the content of biologically active compounds in the leaves. The Strunjan Artichoke contained the highest levels of rutin, a plant compound with antioxidant properties. In laboratory experiments on cell cultures, extracts from its leaves provided the best protection for colon cells against oxidative stress and reduced lipid accumulation in liver cells.

These results provide an important scientific basis for further procedures aimed at registering the “Strunjan Artichoke” on the Slovenian national list of varieties. A variety that has been preserved in Istrian gardens and fields for decades is thus also gaining official recognition.

Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-26443-w

The project is being implemented within the framework of LAS Zelena Istra and the LEADER/CLLD approach. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023–2027.