Wondering what artichokes taste like? This post covers everything you need to know about artichokes - from how to prepare them, to how to eat them.
Jump to:
What Are Artichokes?
Artichokes are a type of thistle, and they're actually a flower that hasn't bloomed yet. The edible part is the flower bud, and the stem and leaves are also edible.
They're usually a deep green color (green globe artichoke), and they have a prickly exterior. When you cook them, the leaves soften and you can pull them off one by one to eat.
The center of the artichoke is called the "artichoke heart," and that's the most prized part. It's soft, slightly sweet, and very flavorful.
Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean region, but they're now grown all over the world. In the U.S., California is the biggest producer of artichokes. They're in season from March to May, but you can find them year-round in most supermarkets.
What Do Artichokes Taste Like?
Artichokes have a slightly nutty flavor, and they are often compared to hazelnuts or almonds. They also have a slightly bitter taste that some people find off-putting. In terms of texture, artichokes are crunchy and slightly chewy. As for other foods that are similar to artichokes, they include Belgique endives, fennel, Brussel sprouts, and cardoons.
Is Artichoke A Vegetable
Artichokes are actually a vegetable, even though they can produce flowers. Because of what people have heard about artichoke plants producing flowers, they may mistakenly believe that artichokes are fruits. However, artichokes are classified as vegetables because they are typically eaten as part of a savory dish, not a sweet one.
Artichokes bud is composed of tightly-packed, small purple florets arranged around a center of hairy green choke (which is inedible).
While artichokes are often thought of as being from Italy, they actually originated in North Africa and were brought to Europe by Moorish invaders in the 12th century. Nowadays, California produces more than 80% of the world's artichokes.
How To Select And Store Artichokes
Artichokes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, but they can be a bit tricky to select and store. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your artichokes:
- When selecting artichokes, look for ones that are dark green and have tight, compact leaves.
- Avoid artichokes with wilting or yellowing leaves.
- To store artichokes, trim off the stem, then place them in a bowl of cold water. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days.
- When you're ready to use the artichokes, drain them and pat dry. Cut off the top quarter of the artichoke, then use a spoon to scoop out the hairy center.
- Artichokes can be steamed, boiled, grilled, or roasted!
- You can also try frying artichokes, I have never tried that!
How To Prepare Artichokes
Quick and easy guide to prepping artichokes:
- Start by trimming off the artichoke's stem. You can also cut off the sharp tips of the leaves if you like.
- Cut the artichoke in half, then use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy center.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the artichokes and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
How To Eat An Artichoke
Artichoke is a filling, nutrient-dense vegetable. But how exactly do you eat them? Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed artichokes - Artichokes can be steamed in just about any kind of steamer. Once they're cooked, simply dip the leaves in your favorite sauce. Lemon juice or olive oil are both great options.
- Grilled artichoke - Grilling raw artichokes bring out their natural sweetness. Simply brush the artichokes with olive oil and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning once during cooking.
- Roasted artichokes - Roasting artichokes is a great way to concentrate their flavor. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the artichokes in half, brush with olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Boiled artichokes - Boiling artichokes is the simplest way to cook them. Simply add the artichokes to a pot of boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
People Also Ask [FAQs]
In the US, artichoke season is from March through May.
Jerusalem artichokes are a type of vegetable. They are native to North America and have a brown, knobby appearance. Jerusalem artichokes are also known as sunchokes, sunroot, or wild sunflower. They have white flesh that is nutty, sweet, and crunchy
Artichoke is known as Alcachofa in Spanish.
Wrap Up: What Does Artichoke Taste Like
- This post covers everything you need to know about artichokes - from how to prepare them, to what they taste like.
- Artichokes have a slightly nutty flavor, and they are often compared to hazelnuts or almonds and other foods like brussels sprouts and cardoons.
- Artichokes are nutrient-dense vegetables that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
- You can steam, boil, grill, or roast artichokes and serve them with your preferred creamy sauce.
- When selecting fresh artichokes, look for ones that are dark green and have tight, compact leaves.
- We also shared a yummy hot artichoke dip recipe, try it and let us know what you think!
Recipe
Hot Artichoke Dip
Ingredients
- 14 oz Artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 Jalapeno chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the drained and chopped artichokes, minced garlic clove, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapenos and salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot with crackers or bread for dipping.
Leave a Comment