Picking, Cutting and Cooking Artichokes
I recently posted a recipe from Lidia Bastianich, Pollo coi Carciofi—Chicken with Artichokes. I hadn’t tried the recipe yet, but this weekend seemed like a great time. My only worry…I have NEVER cooked, cut, chosen and whatever else, an artichoke before. A comment came regarding the trouble someone had with choosing and picking arthichokes. So, I went on the hunt for some information on making this vegetable less intimidating.
I have just discovered a great website that gives you all the information you need on what to do with an artichoke, Ocean Mist Farms. They are a family run farm that has grown artichokes and other vegetables since 1924.
On how to select an artichoke:
You’ll enhance the pleasure of eating Artichokes if you invest a few extra minutes in making your selection at the local produce section. Pick up the Artichokes and feel the weight. You’re searching for those that feel the heaviest and firmest. Now examine the exterior. You’re looking for Globes that have a healthy green color, compact center leaves and an overall look of freshness (not dehydrated).
During the winter months (December to February), if you see Artichokes with a blotchy colored or white-blistered exterior appearance, be sure to try one. The appearance of these Artichokes is the result of exposure to colder temperatures and frost. Connoisseurs believe these “Frost-Kissed” Artichokes are more tender and have a flavorful, nutty zest.
Artichoke Sizes
Jumbo—–Softball Size
Large—–Baseball Size
Medium–Tennis Ball Size
Baby—–Golf Ball Size
They continue with a video on how to properly prepare an artichoke for cooking and all the many ways to prepare them, from sauteing, grilling and braising. The information is great for the novice to the artichoke and for those who haven’t had much luck with these antioxidant filled wonders.
Ocean Mist Farms also has a variety information on how they are grown, frost-kissed arthichokes, recipes and pairings.
For small artichokes, such as what is needed for Lidia’s recipe, visit the farms section on to handle your babies, Baby Artichokes - A Completely Edible Treat:
Baby Artichokes are fun because with just a little trimming you can eat the whole thing. A Baby Artichoke is not a separate variety. It’s just a smaller, and a fully mature version of the traditional Artichoke. Its petite size comes from being picked from the lower part of the plant, where Mother Nature has hidden these scrumptious, tiny treats.
Baby Artichokes are easy to prepare, cook and eat because they haven’t developed the fuzzy portion of the choke in the center.
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