Steaming Artichokes: The Ultimate Guide To Cooking Perfection

Steaming artichokes is a simple and effective way to cook this unique vegetable. Artichokes are the buds of a thistle, a flower, and the leaves cover a fuzzy centre called the choke, which sits on top of a meaty core, called the heart. The heart is completely edible and delicious, while the choke is too fibrous to eat in larger artichokes. Artichokes can be boiled, grilled, braised, or stuffed and baked, but steaming is considered the best way to cook them. This method retains the nutrients and vitamins that are often lost through boiling, and it also brings out the delicate, nutty-yet-sweet flavour of the artichoke.

How to select fresh artichokes

Selecting fresh artichokes can be a tricky task, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ones:

• Look for artichokes that are in season: Artichokes are typically in season during late spring and early summer.
• Check the size and weight: Choose artichokes that are plump, firm, and heavy for their size. Even baby artichokes should feel firm, but they won't be as heavy as larger ones.
• Inspect the leaves: Look for artichokes with green or purple leaves that are tightly closed. Avoid artichokes with loose, splayed, dry, split, spongy, or pitted leaves. Brown spots near the tips of the leaves are an indication of frost exposure, but they don't affect the flavour.
• Listen for the "squeak": Hold the artichoke next to your ear and squeeze its leaves. If you hear a squeaking sound, it means the leaves are crisp and fresh.
• Storage: Avoid washing artichokes before storing them, as this can cause them to spoil faster. Instead, sprinkle a few drops of water on the stems to prevent dehydration and place the artichokes in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should last for up to a week.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to select fresh and tasty artichokes for your next meal!

How to store artichokes

Artichokes are in season during spring and early summer. When storing artichokes, look for plump, firm, and heavy specimens with tightly closed leaves. Here are some ways to store artichokes:

Storing Artichokes in the Fridge

Artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five to seven days. To do this, slice a small piece off the stem, sprinkle the stem end with water, and place the artichokes in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Storing Artichokes in Water

Another method is to place the artichokes stem-down in a glass jar of cold filtered water in the fridge. Change the water weekly or when needed. Each week, trim about 1/4 inch off the stem to keep the vascular system open, allowing the artichoke to continue absorbing water and stay fresh.

Storing Peeled Artichokes

If you have peeled artichokes, place them in a ziplock bag with water and a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

Storing Artichokes in the Freezer

Artichokes can also be frozen for long-term storage. Boil them in lemon-flavoured water, drain and dry them, then spread them on a baking sheet and freeze. After freezing, transfer the artichokes to freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible if using bags.

How to prep an artichoke

Artichokes may seem intimidating to prep, but they don't have to be! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare an artichoke for steaming:

First, make sure you have the right equipment. Artichokes start to brown as soon as you cut them, so you'll need a lemon to rub on the cut surfaces to prevent oxidation. A stainless steel knife is also recommended over a carbon-steel one, as it can reduce browning. You'll also need a cutting board, a peeler, a large pot, and a steamer basket.

Start by preparing the stem. Peel off any tough, small petals or leaves on the artichoke stem. Use a knife to trim the end of the stem—just a little bit, as the stem is edible and has a wonderful meaty texture. You can also gently score the stem to help it cook more quickly. Be sure to rub the cut surface with lemon to prevent browning.

Next, use a peeler to trim away the tough outer skin of the artichoke stem. Then, rub the peeled sides of the stem with lemon juice.

Now, it's time to prepare the artichoke leaves. Slice off the top of the artichoke, about 1/2 to 1 inch. You can use a serrated knife or a bread knife for this step. At this point, your artichoke will have a flat top with a few rows of pointy leaves around the sides. Rub the cut, flat leaves with lemon juice and use kitchen shears to trim off any remaining sharp or spiky tips from the leaves.

Finally, trim the artichoke stem so that the bottom is flat and the artichoke can stand upright in the pot for steaming. Place each prepped artichoke in a pot of acidulated water (water with lemon juice) to prevent the cut edges from browning before cooking.

With these steps, you'll be a pro at prepping artichokes in no time!

How to steam artichokes on the stove top

Steaming artichokes is a great way to prepare them, bringing out their delicate, nutty-yet-sweet flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming artichokes on the stove top.

Step 1: Selecting and Storing Artichokes

When shopping for artichokes, look for ones that are plump, firm, and heavy for their size. The leaves can be green or purple, but they should be tightly closed. The stem should be firm, and artichokes should be cooked within five to seven days of purchase. To store uncooked artichokes, slice a small bit off the stem, sprinkle the cut end with water, and refrigerate in an airtight plastic bag.

Step 2: Preparing the Artichokes

Use a serrated knife to slice off the top third of the artichoke. Remove any remaining spikes from the outer leaves with kitchen shears. Trim the stem so that the artichoke can stand upright. Place each artichoke in a pot of acidulated water (water with lemon juice) to prevent the cut edges from browning before cooking.

Step 3: Setting Up the Steamer

Fill a large pot with enough water so that it reaches just below a steamer basket. Squeeze lemon juice into the water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. You can also add other ingredients like wine, bay leaves, garlic, or spices to create an aromatic cooking liquid.

Step 4: Steaming the Artichokes

Place the prepared artichokes in the steamer basket, stem-side up. Cover the pot and steam until the heart is tender when pierced with a knife, and the inner leaves pull out easily. This usually takes 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the artichokes. Ensure you add more water to the pot if needed.

Step 5: Serving the Artichokes

Serve the artichokes warm or at room temperature with a dipping sauce like Hollandaise or melted butter with a squeeze of lemon. Artichokes have three edible parts: the leaves, the stem, and the heart. To eat, pull off the leaves, dip them in sauce, and scrape off the tender meat with your teeth. Once you've eaten all the leaves, you can eat the heart and stem, which are meaty and flavourful.

Tips:

• Artichokes are in season in late spring and early summer, so that's the best time to find the freshest produce.
• Steaming is a healthy and hands-off way to cook artichokes, retaining more nutrients and vitamins than boiling.
• You can cook artichokes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
• To test if your artichokes are done, insert a knife or fork into the bottom – if there is no resistance, they are ready!

How to steam artichokes in the microwave

Steaming artichokes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this delicious vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results.

Step 1: Prepare the artichokes

Start by rinsing your artichokes under warm water, spreading the leaves to remove any hidden dirt. Pull off any tough outer leaves and trim the stems so that the artichokes can sit flat. You can also cut off the top inch of the artichoke to remove prickly leaves and trim any sharp thorns on the remaining leaves with kitchen shears.

Step 2: Soak the artichokes (optional)

Fill a bowl with water and add the juice of a fresh lemon or a teaspoon of bottled lemon juice. Dunk the artichokes in this mixture or squeeze lemon over the artichokes. This step will help the artichokes retain their bright green colour.

Step 3: Add water and cover

Place the artichokes in a microwave-safe dish or bowl with about 2 tablespoons or 3/4 cup of water. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap, creating a seal to trap the steam. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes for ventilation.

Step 4: Microwave

Microwave the artichokes on high heat for 5-11 minutes, depending on the size of the artichokes and the power of your microwave. For smaller artichokes, start with 5-7 minutes, and for larger ones, try 8-11 minutes. Check for doneness by gently tugging on the outer leaves; if they release easily and the flesh is tender, the artichokes are done. If not, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until done.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, allow the artichokes to cool slightly before handling. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as melted butter, aioli, or garlic butter. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions