Cynara cardunculus as a Multiuse Crop

The main use of Cynara cardunculus L. is food, but there are also alternative uses, of which this chapter gives an overview. All the possible alternative uses of C. cardunculus have emerged only in recent decades, with the exception of the florets as vegetable rennet, which has a very ancient tradition behind it. The need for renewable energy sources has led to studying C. cardunculus as an energy plant, from which biomass for direct combustion, biomethane, bio-ethanol and oil can be obtained. The latter is also suitable for human consumption. The aboveground biomass could also provide fiber for paper pulp production, as well as various livestock feed resources. The chapter, lastly, includes the above-mentioned use as vegetable rennet and the possible use as an ornamental plant.