How to Eat an Artichoke

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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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  1. This is optional, but it makes eating the artichoke "much" easier later on.
  2. 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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  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  8. These leaves look a bit different than the outer leaves and often have a translucent quality with a bit of purple on them.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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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  • Question
    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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  • Question
    Where do artichokes grow?
    Community Answer
    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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  • Question
    Where can I grow artichokes?
    Community Answer
    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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      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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      Things You'll Need

      • Discard bowl (for the remains of the already eaten leaves)
      • Dipping sauce
      • Plenty of napkins

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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To eat an artichoke, start by steaming it for 50 minutes or microwaving it for 10 minutes. After you've cooked the artichoke, peel the outer leaves off and use your teeth to scrape off the tender, edible parts at the base of the leaves. Then, remove and discard the smaller, translucent leaves that are near the center of the artichoke and use a spoon to scrape off the prickly fibers that are beneath them. You'll be left with the artichoke heart, which you can eat as is or add to your favorite recipes. If you want to learn how to drain the artichoke after you cook it, keep reading the article!

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