In Aydın, which meets 42% of Turkey's artichoke production, as the harvest season begins, the journey of the green diamond, which is sold wholesale at 20 TL per piece in the field, to the plate in restaurants can reach up to 400 TL.
In Aydın, known for its intensive artichoke production, the "green gold" artichoke is among the most preferred products by farmers. Approximately 6,500 hectares of land are used for cultivation, yielding 8,000 tons of artichokes. The artichoke harvest season has begun in the city. Artichokes planted from late August to mid-September, known as "sakız enginarı," are harvested in November and December, while "Bayrampaşa enginarı" is harvested in the spring. With the onset of the harvest season for the liver-friendly artichoke, vigorous work has commenced in the lush green artichoke fields. Farmers entering the harvest process descend into the fields in the early hours of the morning to harvest their artichokes and deliver them to intermediaries. The wholesale price per piece of artichoke in the field is 20 TL. As with all other fruits and vegetables, as the number of intermediaries increases, the price difference between producers and consumers also increases. Artichokes, sold at 40-50 TL per piece at the market, are served to customers in restaurants for up to 400 TL.
Özge Yüksel, one of the youngest entrepreneurs and producers in Aydın, who runs an artichoke production on her family's land, stated, "We started the season a bit early this year. The weather has been milder compared to last year, and the cold didn't last long. Our artichokes are certified for 'good agriculture.' They're different from other cultivated artichokes. There are no hormones in them. Thankfully, our season is going well. We use animal manure. Artichokes are starting to become a luxury product. Prices are a bit high. Wholesale prices start at 20 TL per piece and increase further. By the time they reach the table, they can cost up to 40 TL. We recently had artichokes at a restaurant in Istanbul, and the price was marked as 400 TL for one.