Carciofo Spinoso di Sardegna

Carciofo Spinoso di Sardegna is a PDO-protected artichoke grown exclusively in Sardinia from the local 'Spinoso Sardo' ecotype of Cynara scolymus. Its prolonged conical head, green with extensive purple-brown shading, yellow-tipped thorns, and tender, edible stem distinguish it from other artichoke types. Only heads classified as 'Extra' or 'I' marketing class may carry the PDO designation.

About this designation

Carciofo Spinoso di Sardegna received PDO protection on 6 March 2008 and is registered in the EU system under file number PDO-IT-0687 and eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013832. The designation covers artichokes produced exclusively from the 'Spinoso Sardo' ecotype, a local form of Cynara scolymus, grown and processed entirely within the delimited territory of Sardinia. The specification defines the head as prolonged and conical, moderately compact, with a minimum length of 6 cm and a diameter of between 6 and 13 cm. External bracts are large, long, and green with extensive purple-brown shading, ending in a yellow thorn; internal bracts are straw yellow with purple veins. Stalks must measure between 10 and 40 cm in length and between 1 and 3.5 cm in thickness. The edible part must represent no less than 30 % of the weight of the fresh head. Chemical requirements include a carbohydrate content of no less than 2.5 g per 100 g of fresh matter, polyphenols of no less than 50 mg per 100 g of fresh matter, sodium of no greater than 0.125 g per 100 g of fresh matter, and iron of no greater than 0.80 mg per 100 g of fresh matter. The specification permits only heads of the 'Extra' and 'I' marketing classes to carry the PDO designation. All production steps, including harvesting, sorting, sizing, and packaging, must take place within Sardinia. Packaging must occur immediately after harvesting to preserve freshness.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PDO on 6 March 2008 under file number PDO-IT-0687 and eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013832.
• Only artichokes of the 'Extra' and 'I' marketing classes may carry the PDO designation; no other classes are permitted.
• The specification sets a minimum edible portion of no less than 30 % of the weight of the fresh head.
• All production steps, from cultivation through packaging, must be completed within the territory of Sardinia.

Tasting notes

Sardinian spiny artichoke, distinctive elongated shape with thorny bracts. Tender flesh, intense aromatic flavor with notes of fresh herbs and cardoon.

HoReCa use

The specification notes that Carciofo Spinoso di Sardegna is traditionally eaten uncooked, with both the stems and the heads consumed in this manner.

Packaging

• crate-5kg
• retail-bunch-500g

Seasonality