Often thought of as vegetables, artichokes are actually the flower buds of a large, perennial thistle plant that produces bright purple flowers. If you have the patience to pull apart the artichoke"s thorny outer leaves, you are rewarded with the tender "heart". We"re willing to wager that patience is a virtue many of us lack - our patience is often limited to the time it takes to open jars. It"s easy to love these hearts, especially on a pizza. Try them on our Organic Pizza Crusts with Grilled Chicken Strips and Crumbled Blue Cheese. We heart this combo.