How to Boil Artichokes

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The artichoke is a fresh, green vegetable that can be enjoyed in the spring months of the year. Also known as the bud of the thistle flower, the artichoke has many varieties that grow worldwide, and is common in many European dishes. From its spiny, prickly appearance, the artichoke may look like a formidable vegetable to handle, but it is actually quite simple to prepare. With a little time and effort, you can easily enjoy a delicious, sweet artichoke.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Artichokes

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  1. Washing an artichoke should be done right before cooking, not before storing. Washing an artichoke before storing can make it spoil faster.
    • Store fresh, unwashed artichokes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep an eye on them, and if leaves start to spread, cook them immediately.
  2. Use a very sharp knife to either slice the whole stem off at the base, or keep most of the stem but just cut the end off.
    • If you don’t have a really sharp knife, use a serrated knife.
    • The artichoke’s stem is edible, so you can simply cut the very end off of it and then cook and eat it with the rest of artichoke.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Boil Artichokes
    Only remove the top inch of each artichoke, slicing evenly across. Be careful not to cut too far down, or you’ll risk losing some of the best edible parts of the artichoke.
    • Rub the cut parts of each artichoke with a lemon. Be sure to use lemon on all the cut tops and bottoms to prevent browning.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Boil Artichokes
    Use sharp kitchen scissors to remove the top 1/2 inch of each leaf. Only remove the spiny, pointed tops from the leaves.
    • Once you've snipped the leaves, rub each one with more lemon. [1]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cooking the Artichokes

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  1. Set the stove on high heat and salt the water liberally.
    • Setting the stove on high heat encourages the water to boil faster.
    • Salting the cooking water helps to flavor the artichokes while they boil.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Boil Artichokes
    Place them in the pot and then let the water come back up to a boil.
    • Adding the artichokes will cool the water temporarily and slow the boiling, so let water come back up to a boil for just a moment.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Boil Artichokes
    Cover the artichokes and leave them to cook for 20-30 minutes. If you cut the whole stem off of each artichoke, you'll need to weigh the artichokes down in the pot.
    • To weight the artichokes down, use a small lid or an inverted plate that fits inside of the pot. This will keep the artichokes from bobbing up out of the water and cooking improperly. [2]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Boil Artichokes
    They are ready when you can easily remove a leaf from the middle.Use a fork or the point of your knife to remove the center leaf. [3]
    • Be careful when testing the artichokes, as they have been sitting in hot water and can burn you.
    • You can also check for tenderness by poking the base of an artichoke with your knife. [4]
  5. Once they’ve been removed, drain them in a colander and plate them for serving.
    • Season the artichokes however you wish. Peel the leaves off to eat one by one, or cut the artichoke heart out.
    • Serve the artichoke leaves and hearts with a delicious drawn butter or a flavorful sauce.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Choosing the Right Artichoke

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  1. Artichokes are at their best in Spring. The peak season for artichokes is from March to May, so you’ll find the freshest ones in those three months. [5]
    • Look for the right coloring. A fresh artichoke will be a nice, deep green shade. [6]
    • A few brown spots are okay, but the artichoke should generally look very fresh and green.
  2. A good artichoke should have tight, vibrant green leaves. Loose or dry leaves mean that the artichoke isn’t in the best shape.
    • Squeeze the leaves against each other, and they should make a squeaking sound if the artichoke is good.
  3. It should feel plump and a bit heavier than it looks.
    • A smaller artichoke will be more tender than a larger one, while a rounder artichoke will have a bigger heart than a more narrow one. [7]
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  • Question
    How long do I boil artichokes?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Boil them for 20-30 minutes in a pot of salted water. You'll know they're ready once the leaves get tender.
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  • Question
    Can I keep a cooked artichoke in its water overnight?
    Shelby Schroeder
    Community Answer
    Yes. It makes it taste better. Also, it makes it expand a bit. You should try it.
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  • Question
    Is boiled artichoke water drinkable?
    Community Answer
    If you are referring to the water used to boil the artichoke it should be drinkable, although it might taste a little off. However, if you want to include it in soup or another dish, then it would be okay.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Fresh artichokes
      • Salt
      • Water
      • Lemon
      • Large pot with a lid
      • Smaller dish or pot lid (optional)
      • Stove
      • Sharp or serrated knife
      • Kitchen scissors

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      References

      1. ↑ http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/5514-basic-boiled-artichokes
      2. ↑ http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/5514-basic-boiled-artichokes
      3. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-cook-artichokes/
      4. ↑ http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/5514-basic-boiled-artichokes
      5. ↑ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/peak-season-artichokes
      6. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-cook-artichokes/
      7. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-cook-artichokes/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To boil artichokes, start by rinsing them off with cold water. Next, slice off the stems, tops, and most of the outer leaves. Then, fill a pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the artichokes to the water, lower the heat, and let them simmer for 20-30 minutes. Finally, use a fork to make sure the artichokes are tender before removing them from the water and draining them in a colander. For tips on choosing the best artichokes for boiling, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Robbin Warthen

        Jun 20, 2022

        "I use to buy them in the jar already marinated, But cooking them fresh is a better way to enjoy them."
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