
Ashleigh Smith

Artichokes aren’t the most popular vegetable in the kitchen; why is that? Personally, I haven’t used it much because I lacked knowledge about what it was and how to cook with it. Aside from dips, I was pretty clueless about what it could be used for. I am here to help you liven up your meals with this impressive veggie.
What is an artichoke?
It is the bud of a thistle, a flower, if you will, that covers a fuzzy center (choke). This portion is tough in mature plants but more tender and edible in young artichokes. Below the flower is a meaty heart known to be very yummy.
When picking artichokes, look for those that feel heavy, are closed, have some frost burn, and leave that squeak. These are all signs of a fresh artichoke. The older it gets, the less flavor you will have. You want heavy ones because this means there is more water within the harvested portion. The older it is, the lighter it gets. While frost is damaging to most produce, a light frost can actually enhance the flavor of artichokes. The squeaking leaves and closed shape again go back to being a sign for a younger harvest.
How can you use an artichoke? You can always go for the classic dipping sauce, but if you want to use this veggie to its full potential, try some of the following ideas:
Stuffed
Sauteed baby artichokes
Hummus
Flatbread topping
Braised baby artichokes
Side to Salmon
Baked with Chicken
Cooked into a cream sauce with pasta
Show us how you like your favorite artichoke recipes on social media with #TrueLeafMarket
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Beds
Written By Lara Wadsworth Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetab...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-246 min read1How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tips
Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is here, and the heat is turning up. As the sun becomes more intense and daytime temperatures routinely soar, some plants struggle to cope. Sunburn, sunscald, leaf scorch, and heat stress are common problems that plants...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-178 min read0Maximize Your Garden with the French Intensive Method
Written By Lara Wadsworth There are many ways that people online claim to maximize garden space, including everything from container gardening to square-foot gardening. There are books galore written about how to get the most out of each square foot of...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-118 min read0Top Nutrient-Dense Foods and Why You Should Eat Them
Written By Lara Wadsworth In today’s world of health trends, dieting, and fitness fads, one essential element is often overlooked: nutrients. Nutrients are the foundation of true wellness—fueling every organ, supporting immune function, and enabling bo...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-107 min read0