Demystifying Artichokes: Here's How to Cook and Eat One (2024)

FAQs

Demystifying Artichokes: Here's How to Cook and Eat One? ›

Using a small, sharp knife, remove the choke from each artichoke. To keep them from browning, make sure you hold the prepped artichokes in lemon water until you're done removing the chokes from all of them. Add the artichokes to the pot in a single layer and cook them until they're crisp-tender, about 12 minutes.

Using a small, sharp knife, remove the choke from each artichoke. To keep them from browning, make sure you hold the prepped artichokes in lemon water until you're done removing the chokes from all of them. Add the artichokes to the pot in a single layer and cook them until they're crisp-tender, about 12 minutes.

The two most common ways to cook these thistles are boiling and steaming. While both are equally easy, I recommend steaming. Boiling artichokes tends to waterlog them, which makes the flesh watery and dilutes the flavor. Steaming keeps artichokes moist and tender, and maintains the integrity of their nutrients, too.

Use kitchen shears to trim tough tips off remaining outer leaves, if desired. Rub all cut surfaces with a lemon half to keep them from turning dark. Some cooks like to soak the trimmed artichoke in lemony water for an hour or so before cooking to improve taste and tenderness.

Rinse your artichoke under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Remove any stray leaves from the stem of the artichoke. With kitchen shears, or sharp scissors, remove the thorny tips from the leaves.

You can boil, bake and grill artichokes, however we consider steaming to be the easiest and tastiest method of cooking them as it results in a good level of moisture. Boiling will also ensure a soft texture however, if you prefer this method.

It also increases the production of bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from your liver ( 8 ). In one study, artichoke leaf extract decreased inflammation and liver cell death in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( 16 ). Studies in humans also show positive effects on liver health.

Then pull off and discard the tough outer leaves at the base and sides of the artichoke. Using kitchen scissors, cut the pointy tips of the remaining leaves (this is both for appearance and to prevent nicking when you handle the artichoke — it's a thistle, after all).

And by the way, the stem of the artichoke is also edible, but you have to peel it first. Depending on your cooking method, you may want to remove the stem altogether, so that it stands up straight. But the stem is actually as tasty as the heart.

Steaming or boiling an artichoke unlocks otherwise hidden natural flavors, lessening the bitterness and giving the artichoke heart its trademark "buttery" mouthfeel that, ironically, pairs very well with butter.

Should I cut artichokes in half before boiling? ›

Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise (or leave whole if you prefer, but this will take longer to cook) and use a spoon to scrape out and discard the hairy center (this is the choke).

Test for doneness by pulling a petal out. If it comes off easily, the artichoke is done.

I pick the artichokes and spray them in the sink to get rid of the aphids, then I soak them in a tub of water to get rid of the ants. Sometimes the heart is the only thing very edible, but it's worth it to get that delicious center!

Artichokes contain many nutrients and may offer potential health benefits, including liver health support, blood pressure regulation, and improved fiber and vitamin intake. Very few risks are associated withIeating artichokes, with the exception of potential allergic reactions or FODMAP sensitivity for people with IBS.

Whole globe artichokes can be purchased fresh, and artichoke hearts are available frozen, canned in water, or jarred in olive oil and spices. The oil-packed ones are a little higher in healthy fat, but draining the oil will help save some calories.