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How to Prepare and Eat an Artichoke.

Updated on June 23, 2013

Fun Artichoke Facts

Castroville, California calls itself "The Artichoke Center of the World" and Marilyn Monroe was crowned its first Artichoke queen in 1947.

California produces 100% of the US artichokes, which is only 3% of the world's.

The Greeks and Romans considered them to be an aphrodisiac

Artichokes are One of Nature's Super Foods

They rank in the top ten out of over a thousand foods in total antioxidant capacity per serving. Sadly, the artichoke is a seriously misunderstood vegetable. Because of its unusual texture and the assumption that it is difficult to prepare and eat, it is not enjoyed nearly as much as it could be! Artichokes are a pure and simple food that don't need to be coupled with anything else to taste delicious!

Please rate this a 5 if you enjoy this method for preparing your artichokes.

4.3 stars from 4 ratings of Artichokes!

Eating an Artichoke is a fun experience

Eating an artichoke doesn't take skill but it helps if you know what you are doing! The first time I saw people enjoying artichokes, I found it fascinating! I watched them tear off the leaves, scraping the "meat" with their teeth on each individual leave, then tossing it in a bowl. I watched them get to the center, peel away the "hairs" and savor the succulent heart, which now looked like the artichokes I was familiar with! I couldn't wait to try it myself!

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 hour 30 min
Ready in: 1 hour 40 min
Yields: 1 artichoke per person
  • as many whole fresh artichokes as you like/or as many as you can fit in your pot. .
  • 1 fresh lemon for every 2 artichokes .
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt .
  1. Wash the artichokes in cold water. Make sure to run the water through the leaves.
  2. Cut off the stems. If you want a neater, more uniform appearance you can remove some of the leaves at the base. Some people like to trim the tips, also. I prefer to leave them intact.
  3. Put the artichokes ina pot filled 3/4 of the way with cold water.
  4. Cut the lemons in half and place in pot with the salt.
  5. Bring to a rolling boil then cook on medium/high for another hour or so until tender. You may need to add a little more cold water. (use a tong to take off a leaf to check for tenderness)
  6. When tender, remove from heat and allow the excess water to drain while fuly cooling them off.

Step-by-Step guide for cooking Whole Artichokes

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Start out with fresh, green aerichokes.After a thorough cleaning, cut off the stems to cook along with the artichokes.Put the artichokes, stems and lemon wedges in the pot of water.Bring it to a rolling boil.
Start out with fresh, green aerichokes.
Start out with fresh, green aerichokes. | Source
After a thorough cleaning, cut off the stems to cook along with the artichokes.
After a thorough cleaning, cut off the stems to cook along with the artichokes. | Source
Put the artichokes, stems and lemon wedges in the pot of water.
Put the artichokes, stems and lemon wedges in the pot of water. | Source
Bring it to a rolling boil.
Bring it to a rolling boil. | Source

Cooking tips for Artichokes.

Artichokes must be cooked only in stainless steel or glass as they will oxidize and turn brown in any other material.

While lemons contribute to the flavor, they also help to keep your artichokes true in color.

Salt will help them boil faster but the water may dissapate too quickly. Watch the water level and add some if it gets too low.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 artichoke
Calories 400
Calories from Fat0
% Daily Value *
Fat 0 g
Carbohydrates 25 g8%
Sugar 1 g
Protein 5 g10%
Sodium 400 mg17%
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Health Benefits of Artichokes

Artichokes are one of the most healthy foods in the world. Some of the benefits in artichokes include:

  • High in antioxidants
  • High in fiber
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Aids digestion
  • Good for the liver
  • Helps prevent cancer

How to eat an Artichoke.

Now that you have prepared this beautiful vegetable, it's time to enjoy it! Eating an artichoke is an art. It has to be done correctly to enjoy the full benefits. It should not be a contest of who can get to the heart first or you will miss out on the tenderness of each leaf! Many people like to dip the leaves in drawn butter or other dipping sauces. I, personally think the flavor of the artichoke cooked with lemon and salt is enough but you should do what makes you happy! I do like a bit of salt at the end. it seems to bring out the flavor in the heart. We prepared this video to give you the full benefits of eating an artichoke! Enjoy!

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