How to Eat Artichokes

Enjoy artichokes by grilling, boiling or frying them.

Artichokes belong to the thistle family, and are the flower bud of the "Cynara scolymus" plant. The artichoke's edible portion comprises of bud-shaped petals and the "heart" situated in the center at the bottom of the bud. You can enjoy artichokes whole on their own or added to pastas, salads and casseroles. The intriguing shape of artichokes can seem intimidating, but you can savor the sweet, nutty flavor of this vegetable by using the correct techniques to eat it. Does this Spark an idea?

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Artichoke
Hollandaise, vinaigrette, mayonnaise or melted butter
Salt
Plate
Bowl
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Put the artichokes in a pan with enough water to cover the artichokes. Add a teaspoon of salt. Boil for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Drain, cool and set the artichokes on a serving plate alongside a dipping sauce such as vinaigrette, mayonnaise, hollandaise or melted butter.
- 2
  
  Pull out a petal on the outermost area of the artichoke with your fingers. Hold the narrow, pointed end of the petal between your fingers and dip the wide end in the dipping sauce.
- 3
  
  Put the petal in your mouth and gently bite it with your clenched teeth to remove the tender flesh from its bottom. Discard the petal in an empty bowl once you have drawn out all the flesh. Repeat the process with every artichoke petal until you reach the artichoke heart located in the center.
- 4
  
  Scrape off the fibrous portion covering the heart with a knife. Slice the fleshy heart, which is the tastiest portion of the artichoke into bite-sized pieces. Dip it in sauce and eat.