3 Ways to Cook Artichokes

3 Ways to Cook Artichokes

The first time I looked at an artichoke, I could have sworn it had grown two eyes and stared right back at me! Although they can be intimidating, I'll show you how artichokes can be delicious, nutritious, and easy to find because, in California, they're in season right now!

The truth behind artichokes

• These vegetables can be eaten raw, and once you find the easiest ways to know if one is ripe, you may not see it as intimidating. With an artichoke, the leaves should be closed (not open!) when they’re ready to eat. When this luscious vegetable’s buds open up, they're ending their lifecycle. Make sure those buds are close together!
• If you squeeze the artichoke, the leaves should also "squeak." This shows that the artichoke is ripe and ready to eat.

Is my artichoke ripe?

Artichokes should be heavy when you pick them. The lighter ones are actually dried out, so be quick to avoid those. If you're able to bend one of the leaves and it snaps, this means your artichoke has harvested its Optimum Power of Ripeness. Brown splotches on the leaves are healthy, but if they're soft brown spots, then it's a no-go.

Can I eat it raw?

Eating an artichoke might be one of the best ways to get your vitamins C, K, and phosphorus. Just remove the leaves individually and scrape the leaves with your teeth, using it as something like a spoon. You won’t regret the fresh, earthy flavor.

The best ways to cook an artichoke

Did you know stuffed artichokes are one of the highest searched for recipes? Stuffed artichokes are easy, flavorful, and cook in about an hour or less. Another Californian favorite is steamed artichokes. Unlike their antagonist boiled artichokes, steamed artichokes are known for being tender, nutty, and sweet instead of bogged down and soggy. And amid summer, what a better way to cook an artichoke than to grill it? Grilled artichokes are tinder and smoky and work best when steamed first.