How to Store Artichokes

How do you store artichokes? The answer depends on whether you want them to last longer or eat them immediately. If you plan to eat them within a day or two, then they should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Otherwise, you can freeze them.

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Artichoke is a delicious vegetable that is high in fiber and nutrients. They come from a plant called Cynara scolymus. There are several varieties of artichokes, such as globe artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, and sunchokes.

Artichokes are great for cooking because they don’t require much preparation time. They also taste good raw. If you want to enjoy them at their peak flavor, then you’ll need to cook them. But before anything else, you should first learn how to store artichokes and pick the fresh ones in the market. Read more below.

How to Store Artichokes

The most common way of storing fresh artichokes is by placing them in the crisper drawer immediately after purchase. But that will only last for at least three days. After that, the artichokes start losing their crispiness and become soft. This means that you have to either use them up quickly or freeze them.

If you want to keep your artichokes for a long time, we have provided some steps for you to do. But before that, do remember these tips for storing raw artichokes:

Place the artichokes in a bowl filled with water. Change the water every few hours.
Do not rinse the artichokes until you’re ready to use them. It’s best if you leave them unwashed.
Better sprinkle some lemon juice once you start cutting them into small batches.
Use a stainless steel knife to slice them to prevent discoloration.
Freeze them for a longer storage time.

How to Store Artichokes in the Freezer

You can also freeze artichokes for future use. You just need to follow these simple instructions:

1. Cut off the stem end of each artichoke. Then cut the outer leaves off the bottom half of the artichoke.

2. Wash the artichokes well. Dry them thoroughly. Soak them in cold water with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

3. Prepare a pot filled with water with lemon juice. Bring to a boil.

4. Blanch the raw artichokes for 3-7 minutes. Larger ones require longer blanching time.

5. Once done, put them in ice-cold water for 5-10 minutes.

6. Remove the artichoke leaves and pat dry them using a soft cloth or paper towel.

7. Scoop off the choke and spread it on a baking tray in a single layer.

8. Wrap it using plastic wrap for a longer shelf life.

9. Once entirely frozen, portion them in heavy-duty plastic freezer bags.

10. Seal and squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burns.

How to Store Artichokes in the Fridge

Refrigerating artichoke is best for week-long storage. However, you can still store them for about four weeks. Just make sure that you remove the rotten parts immediately. Follow these instructions:

1. Cut half an inch in the stem.

2. Sprinkle water on the stem to keep it fresh and hydrated throughout the storage process.

3. Wrap the vegetables in a clean plastic bag. Keep the moisture in.

4. Place in the crisper drawer for at least 3-5 day

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How to Store Canned Artichokes

Artichokes are very fragile vegetables. That is why you need to be careful when handling them. If you have bought them in a can or a commercialized product, here’s how to store them:

1. Once opened, immediately place it in the refrigerator.

2. Cover it with a lid or wrap in a thick plastic wrap.

3. Refrigerate it for at least five days.

How to Select Fresh Artichokes

The most important thing to consider when buying fresh artichokes is the size of the artichoke heads. They should be firm but tender. Avoid those that are too hard or too soft. These are the signs of fresh artichokes:

The leaves are intact
Heavy in size
Moisture comes out when squeezed
A little bit of discoloration or purple undertones is natural since it always comes in contact with air.
Firm but tender artichokes

What are the Edible Parts of Artichokes

There are three edible parts of a healthy artichoke:

1. The heart

The artichoke heart is the innermost part of the artichoke head. It contains all the nutrients needed by our body. It is rich in vitamin K, fiber, folate, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these nutrients help your body function properly.

2. The petals/green leaves

These are the greenish-yellow colored flowers found on top of the artichoke flower. They contain high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect us against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

3. The choke

This dark brown hairy substance is located between the two layers of petals. This part has higher amounts of minerals like potassium, sodium, and manganese.

What are the Signs of Bad Artichokes

Are you planning to have cooked artichokes today? That’s great! But before anything else, you should check out the signs of bad artichokes when buying. Here are some of them:

Loose green leaves
Shriveled leaves
Dark or discolored leaves
Brownish tips on the green leaves
It has an open hole in the middle part
Very soft when squeezed
Dry leaves
It feels lightweight when held

How to Prepare Artichoke for Cooking

You may ask yourself what you need to prepare artichokes before cooking. Well, there are several things that you need to know.

1. First, you need to cut off the stems. Then, you need to peel off the outer layer of the artichoke. You can use a sharp serrated knife to accomplish this task.

2. Next, you need to trim the layer from the artichoke bottom so that it will stand upright while being served. To do this, just cut it into quarters.

3. Now, you need to remove the choke from the center of the artichoke using a spoon.

4. Finally, you need to slice the artichoke halves lengthwise.

5. After slicing, you need to wash them thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or debris.

6. You also need to dry them completely.

7. Lastly, you need to cook them. Remember not to overcook them because they will become tough.

How long do artichokes last in the fridge?

You can store them for up to 7 days if they are kept in the refrigerator. Remember to store it properly. Make sure that the stems are cut off and that the artichokes are sprinkled with water. Never make it dry inside the fridge.

Do Jarred Artichokes Go Bad?

No, they don’t. You just need to follow the instructions given on the package. To maximize the shelf life of artichokes, refrigerate them covered in a glass lid so that no contamination will happen.

What Part of The Artichoke Is Poisonous?

All parts of the artichoke are edible. However, its outer parts, such as the choke and stem, should not be eaten. Also, artichoke should be consumed immediately when cooked because its sensory characteristics tend to change, becoming less pleasant to consume.