Artichokes are the edible immature flowers of a cultivated thistle.

The ways to cook artichokes almost outnumber the delicious leaves each artichoke produces.

Wash the Artichokes

Wash artichokes just before you’re ready to use them.

Fresh artichoke with a plate of cooked artichoke

Credit:Grant Webster

If you wash artichokes before storing them, the moisture could cause them to spoil more rapidly.

Slice Off the Stem End

Cut off and discard the end of the stem.

Remove Outer Leaves

Peel off the outer leaves closest to the stem.

Cleaning artichoke with bristle brush

Credit:Grant Webster

Use a sharp, sturdy knife to cut off about 1 inch from the pointed top of each artichoke.

Test Kitchen Tip: Brush all cut edges with lemon juice to prevent browning.

How to Cook Artichokes

There’s no one best way tocook artichokesthere are many!

Cutting artichoke stem

Credit:Grant Webster

How long to cook artichokes varies based on size.

Test Kitchen Tip: Cooking artichokes by boiling doesn’t impart flavor.

If you’re looking for the purest artichoke flavor, boiling is a good method.

Pulling outer leaves of artichoke

Credit:Grant Webster

Or add butter, sauces, or other toppers to make boiled artichokes more flavorful.

Microwaving Artichokes

you could enjoy eating whole artichokes even when you’re in a hurry.

Air Frying Artichokes

A healthier take on crispy, crunchy artichokes, without actually frying them.

Cutting artichoke base

Credit:Grant Webster

Here’s how to proceed.

Trimming artichoke leaves with scissors

Credit:Grant Webster

Artichoke in boiling pot of water

Credit:Grant Webster

Artichoke halves on grill

Credit:Grant Webster

Steam cooking artichokes

Credit:Grant Webster

Baking pan with aluminum foil wrapped artichokes

Credit:Grant Webster

Glass bowl of artichokes with saran wrap

Credit:Grant Webster

Artichoke halves in airfryer

Credit:Grant Webster