How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

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Artichokes are fun, earthy, and interesting. The flavor is mild, nutty, and slightly sweet making them an excellent addition to any meal. This artichoke recipe has been used in my family for over 40 years and we love the wonderful flavors!

What is the best way to cook an artichoke? There are many ways to cook artichokes but I prefer the easiest way of boiling them. Save the nutrient-rich water for vegetable stock or to water your plants. Read on to find out how to cook and eat whole artichokes by boiling them. 

What Are Artichokes

Artichokes are a type of thistle that is native to the Mediterranean region. They are a perennial plant that grows from a large taproot. The artichoke flower head is the edible part of the plant. It is composed of many overlapping scales that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The scales are green on the outside and purple on the inside.

The heart of the artichoke is the most tender part of the flower head. It is a light green color and has a delicate flavor. Artichokes can be eaten cooked or raw. They are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K.

Here are some tips on how to buy artichokes:

• Choose artichokes that are heavy for their size and have tightly closed leaves.
• Give them a squeeze. Choose ones that are not too soft.  
• Avoid artichokes that are soft, have brown spots, or are leaking liquid.
• If you’re not going to eat the artichokes right away, store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.

Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts are the edible part of the artichoke flower. They are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and they contain antioxidants that may help protect against cancer. Artichoke hearts can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are often used in salads, antipasti platters, pasta dishes, and pizzas.

You can easily find artichoke hearts canned in the grocery store. Sometimes they are canned in oil and sometimes in water – both are delicious and just as healthy as fresh artichokes. You can even eat them straight out of the can.

I have also seen bagged artichoke hearts in the freezer section of our local Trader Joe’s grocery store. 

Here are some additional facts about artichoke hearts:

• Artichoke hearts are native to the Mediterranean region.
• The artichoke plant is a member of the thistle family.
• Artichoke hearts are a good source of potassium, folate, and magnesium.
• Artichoke hearts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Artichoke hearts can be frozen for up to 6 months.

History And Origin Of Artichokes

Artichokes are a member of the thistle family and are native to the Mediterranean region. They have been cultivated for thousands of years and were first domesticated in Egypt around 2000 BC. Artichokes were introduced to Europe by the Romans, and they quickly became a popular food throughout the continent. They were brought to North America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and they have been grown in California since the 18th century. 

Interesting Facts About Artichokes

Here are some interesting facts about artichokes:

• The artichoke is the flower bud of a thistle plant.
• The artichoke is the national flower of Sicily.
• Artichokes are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures.
• The artichoke is the official vegetable of California.
• Artichokes are a member of the sunflower family.
• Artichokes are a good source of fiber.
• Artichokes can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Artichokes can help protect the liver.
• Artichokes can help improve digestion.
• Artichokes are a low-calorie food.
• Artichokes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.

Where And How Are Artichokes Grown

Artichokes are grown in many parts of the world, but the top producers are Spain, Italy, and Morocco. They are also grown in California, France, and Peru. About 1.7 million metric tons of artichokes are grown in the world each year.

It takes about 100-120 days for an artichoke to grow from seed to harvest. Artichokes are a perennial plant, which means they will come back year after year. They are best grown in USDA zones 8-10 but can be grown in colder climates with some protection.

What Do Artichokes Taste Like

Artichokes have a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. They are also slightly sweet and have a unique texture that is both chewy and soft. The soft inner parts of the leaves and the hearts are delicious when dipped in melted butter with a squeeze of lemon juice. The flavor is not overpowering but it is unforgettable. 

Artichokes can be eaten cooked or raw, and they are a popular ingredient in salads, soups, and stews

Nutritional Value Of Artichokes

Artichokes are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. They also contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

One medium artichoke (120 grams) provides:

• Calories: 64
• Water: 89%
• Protein: 4 grams
• Carbohydrates: 14 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Vitamin C: 32% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
• Vitamin K: 13% of the RDI
• Folate: 11% of the RDI
• Manganese: 10% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 6% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 6% of the RDI
• Copper: 5% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Iron: 4% of the RDI

Health Benefits

What does an artichoke do for the body? Artichokes are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Do artichokes help your liver? Yes! Artichokes are known to speed up and stimulate the flow of bile in your liver. They help with heartburn, indigestion, hangovers, IBS, and many other liver functions. Artichokes are a great vegetable choice for diabetics. They help lower and maintain blood sugar and are low in calories. 

• Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Promoting digestive health
• Protecting against cancer
• Boosting the immune system
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Improving liver function
• Reducing inflammation

Ingredients And Equipment For How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

1. Large Pot

2. Artichokes

Here are some tips on how to pick a good artichoke:

• Choose artichokes that are heavy for their size and have tightly closed leaves.
• Avoid artichokes that have soft or brown spots, or that are wilted.
• If you’re not sure how fresh an artichoke is, you can gently squeeze the leaves. If they’re springy, the artichoke is fresh.
• Artichokes should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Instructions on How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

There is a little bit of prep work before cooking the artichokes. 

1. Use kitchen shears and trim off the sharp tips of the prickly leaves that circle the artichoke. 

2. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to make a straight cut across the top of the artichoke and cut the end of the stem at the base of the artichoke.

3. Wash artichokes under running water, rinsing between the leaves.

4. Place the artichokes directly into a large pot and cover with cold water. 

5. Bring the water to a boil with the lid tipped to allow steam to escape. 

5. Boil for 30-40 minutes until you can stick a fork into the stem.

6. Drain all the water and serve hot. 

Notes:

• Cooking time depends on the size of the artichoke. Large artichokes will take longer – test the stem with a fork. If it pierces easily then it is done cooking.
• They will float cut side up, that is fine.
• Fill your pot of water with either room temperature water or cool water to get better heating of the artichokes. 
• Store leftover cooked artichokes in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Different Ways To Cook Artichokes

There is more than one cooking method for artichokes. Try some of these ways for cooking artichokes:

• Boiled: To boil artichokes, trim the top and stem, and remove the outer leaves until only the pale green leaves remain. Cut the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke. Place the artichokes in a pot of boiling water and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. Time depends on the size of your artichoke,
• Steamed Artichokes: To steam artichokes, trim the top and stem, and remove the outer leaves until only the pale green leaves remain. Cut the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke. Place the artichokes in a steamer basket with at least one cup of water and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until tender.
• Roasted: To roast artichokes, trim the top and stem, and remove the outer leaves until only the pale green leaves remain. Cut the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke. Drizzle the artichokes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. Try roasting garlic cloves at the same time to mix into melted butter for dipping.
• Grilled: To grill artichokes, trim the top and stem, and remove the outer leaves until only the pale green leaves remain. Cut the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke. Brush the artichokes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender.
• Stuffed: Artichokes can also be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as bread crumbs, cheese, and vegetables. To stuff an artichoke, remove the center leaves and trim the stem. Cut the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke. Fill the artichoke with your favorite stuffing and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until the stuffing is cooked through.
• Instant Pot (pressure cooker): trim off the stems and outer leaves and rinse. Place artichokes in the cooking pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

How To Serve Whole Artichokes 

Serve whole cooked artichokes hot. Place them in a bowl with a second bowl for the discarded leaves. Use ceramic butter warmers with a candle to keep your butter warm throughout the whole experience. Add some lemon slices for squeezing into the butter or over the artichoke leaves. You can also use mayonnaise or a vinaigrette as a dipping sauce. 

If you want to serve prepared or smaller portions – cut the artichoke in half and scoop out the fuzzy choke. Serve halves or quarters. Baby artichokes or smaller artichokes can be served whole. They make an excellent side dish or appetizer from the tips of the artichoke to the tender heart. Add a slice of lemon to the plate to add a ton of flavor.

How To Eat A Whole Artichoke

This is the best part. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. There are many edible parts – leaves, heart, and stem.

• Starting near the stem and moving in circles, peel off one leaf at a time starting with the tough outer leaves. 

• Dip the bottom part (with a bit of artichoke meat) into the melted butter. 

• Using your teeth – “scrape” the meat off. Don’t bite, scrape. Repeat for all the leaves – even the tender inner leaves
• At the purple center of the artichoke, remove the rest of the small leaves and scrape out the fuzzy center choke part gently with a spoon. Be careful not to damage the delicious artichoke heart.

• The cup-shaped part is the heart. Cut it into smaller sections and dip in butter. 

• Enjoy!

What To Serve Whole Fresh Artichokes With

There are so many ways to serve up some artichokes whether it is as an appetizer, mixed into a dish, as a side, or even as the main course. Here are some meals that I love the flavor combinations…

• Pasta alfredo
• Creole Chicken and Linguini
• Steak and Mashed Potatoes
• Add to a Hummus platter
• Ceasar salad
• Hamburger Rice Casserole
• Chicken Breasts
• Spinach and artichoke dip
• Pork Chops
• Chicken thighs
• Antipasti platter
• Rice Pilaf
• Creole jambalaya
• Pesto pasta
• Naan or flatbread
• Assorted dips
• Saffron Rice
• Sausage and Dirty Rice
• Hamburger rice casserole

Wrapping Up How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

Whatever way you choose to make artichokes just make them!  That earthy and nutty flavor will have you going back for more. They are so fun to eat and the flavors are delicious. Artichokes are a great food to slow things down. We are always in such a rush and these are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Have good conversations as you carefully dip each leaf in melted butter. That is my favorite way to enjoy artichokes.

I have so many great memories of my father and I spending time preparing and eating artichokes when I was younger. Now I get to do that with my own children. So go ahead and try them, and make some artichoke memories of your own. I hope this post inspires and teaches you how to cook and eat whole artichokes by boiling them.

Cheers,

Sarah

Recipe Card For How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

5 from 4 votes

How To Cook And Eat Whole Artichokes By Boiling Them

Artichokes are fun, earthy, and interesting. The flavor is mild, nutty, and slightly sweet making them an excellent addition to any meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:40 minutes mins

Total Time:50 minutes mins

Equipment

• 1 Large cooking pot

Ingredients

• Artichokes

Instructions

• Use kitchen shears and trim off the sharp tips of the prickly leaves that circle the artichoke. 
• On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to make a straight cut across the top of the artichoke and cut the end of the stem at the base of the artichoke.
• Wash artichokes under running water, rinsing between the leaves.
• Place the artichokes directly into a large pot and cover with cool water. 
• Bring the water to a boil with the lid tipped to allow steam to escape. 
• Boil for 30-40 minutes until you can easily stick a fork into the stem.
• Drain all the water and serve hot. 

Notes

See the full post for easy step-by-step instructions on how to eat artichokes!

• • Cooking time depends on the size of the artichoke. Large artichokes will take longer – test the stem with a fork. If it pierces easily then it is done cooking.

• • They will float cut side up, that is fine.

• • Fill your pot of water with either room temperature water or cool waterfor more even heating of the artichokes. 

• • Store leftover cooked artichokes in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Course: vegetable

Keyword: artichoke, artichokes, dip in melted butter, thistle family

Servings: 1 per person

Calories: 64kcal

Author: Sarah