The Mistake Many People Make When Cleaning Artichokes

Artichokes are an ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, primarily used during autumn and winter to create rich and imaginative dishes. Frequently, we opt to purchase packaged artichokes because cleaning them can be a challenge, and we may not know how to utilize all parts of this food. However, once you understand the process, it becomes much simpler, enabling you to minimize waste. Let’s learn how to properly clean artichokes.

The right method for cleaning artichokes

Let’s start by saying that there are various varieties of artichokes, and some are excellent for raw consumption. For instance, Sardinian artichokes are excellent when eaten raw, perhaps in a dip, as part of a salad, or even in carpaccio.

The proper method for cleaning artichokes varies depending on how you plan to cook and use them. For instance, if you intend to boil or steam them, basic cleaning involves cutting off the stem and removing the tough outer leaves.

After the initial cleaning steps, you can cut the thorny tips of the artichoke. Depending on your preference, you can choose to remove additional tough leaves or leave them. Then, simply cook them in boiling water. Once cooked, the stringy central part must be removed using a teaspoon.

Here’s a helpful tip while cleaning artichokes: it’s a good practice to keep the ones you’re not currently working on immersed in a bowl of water with lemon or lemon juice. This acidulated water helps prevent the artichokes from turning brown or black due to oxidation, ensuring they stay fresh until you’re ready to cook or use them.

Now, let’s move on to cooking the hearts we obtained after cleaning them. After steaming or boiling, you can use them in a sauce as a condiment or season them with oil, lemon, and salt, making for an excellent and healthy side dish.

These are just a few of the hundreds of ways you can cook artichokes, from simple and quick recipes like the ones mentioned earlier to more elaborate and flavorful options. Some famous and delicious artichoke recipes include Roman-style artichokes and Jewish-style artichokes. The versatility of artichokes allows you to explore various cooking methods and flavors, ensuring you can enjoy tasty and healthy dishes in many different ways.