How to Eat an Artichoke

Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Approved

If you've never eaten an artichoke before, this strange vegetable may present some unique challenges when you finally try to prepare or eat one. The process for eating an artichoke is somewhat non-intuitive - the fruit can't be eaten in its raw form because its tough fibers and sharp leaf tips can wreak havoc on your digestive system. However, if approached correctly, an artichoke can be a delicious, healthy and unusual addition to nearly any meal.

Steps

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This is optional, but it makes eating the artichoke "much" easier later on.
Artichokes are steamed. You may place it in a few inches of water and bring the water to a low boil, but only a low boil, then cover. Do not cover them entirely, just a few inches. If you cover them too much with water they will turn brown. Steam for about 50 minutes. You will know when it is done when you can pierce the stem with a fork quite easily - it should feel like you are piercing a soft fruit. You can also microwave them, individually wrapped in plastic, for 8-15 minutes, or put them in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes. You know it is done when you pull at a leaf and it comes away with little resistance.

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Take a look at it - you should be able to see the edible part pretty clearly. It's lighter in color and down at the base of the leaf, where it was attached to the heart.
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Coat the tip (the part that was attached to the heart of the choke) in whatever dip has been offered. Some common dips are:
- Mayonnaise (try mixing with a little bit of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce)
- Mixture of garlic and butter
- Mixture of oil, salt and vinegar
- Melted butter
- Ranch dressing
Gently nibble or scrape off the tender bits of the bottom of the leaf by putting the leaf in your mouth, closing your teeth on it, and pulling the leaf outwards. The "good part" will detach from the more woody, fibrous part of the leaf easily and leave the tasty bit for you to savor.
These leaves look a bit different than the outer leaves and often have a translucent quality with a bit of purple on them.
Depending on how well-cooked the artichoke is, you can sometimes lift off the smaller inner leaves all together for one last dip in the sauces and bite the ends off delicately (but don't eat the sharp tips). They cover a finer, almost hairy growth just on top of the heart of the artichoke. Some people call this part the "choke," which is what you will do if you eat it, as it is very prickly.
If cooked well, the choke will scrape off easily. What remains after the choke is removed is the coveted heart. Many people will try different implements, but a spoon is best and leaves a clear clean heart with no choke left on it.
The heart of the artichoke is the most prized portion and often the only part restaurant chefs use in their recipes, but at home you can savor the whole artichoke experience. Enjoy.

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Why should I cut the tips off of the artichoke?

Community Answer

Artichoke leaves have little spikes on the ends. Cutting these off will ensure that they don't prick you. Some people also find that cutting the tips off makes it easier to season the artichoke.

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Where do artichokes grow?

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Artichokes are best grown in damp weather, with cool summer temperatures and mild winters. They are grown commercially in coastal areas of Northern California. Artichokes are perennials that can survive for up to 6 years in mild-winter areas. Northern gardeners can grow them as an annual by starting indoors early and then harvest in the fall.

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Where can I grow artichokes?

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Artichokes should be grown in areas with mild winters and cool summers, but they can be grown in other climates as well.

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Tips

It is nice to dip artichokes in a small bowl of melted butter before eating.

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Make sure you provide a discard bowl, about one medium-sized bowl per two people, when serving the full cooked artichoke.

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Artichokes can be eaten cold or hot.

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Warnings

Don't confuse what's described here, a globe artichoke, with Jerusalem artichokes and Chinese artichokes, which are completely different plants from which the roots are eaten.

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Do not put the discarded parts in the garbage disposal. Compost if possible; otherwise, simply deposit these in the garbage (or yard/food waste, if your trash removal provides this).

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