
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Your email address will not be published.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
September Planting Guide By Zone
Written By Lara Wadsworth September gardening brings cooler air, shifting light, and new opportunities for planting and harvesting. Whether you’re in Zone 3 racing frost or Zone 10 just starting winter crops, here’s what to plant this month. Understand...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-0310 min read0Microgreens Grow Lights Guide: Best Options for Beginners & Pros
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens are one of the easiest and most rewarding indoor crops to grow. They are easily grown by anyone in any situation, and they are absolutely packed with nutrition and flavor. You can harvest them in 2 weeks or less, w...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-037 min read0Garden Wisdom: 10 Life Lessons Plants Teach Us
Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you’ve got a greenhouse full of rare orchids, a single stubborn pothos in your kitchen, or you just enjoy walking past a park on your way to work, plants have something to teach you. From sequoias standing tall for cen...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-08-2011 min read0How Microgreens Help Fight Nutrient Deficiencies Naturally
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens vs Mature Veggies A study published in February 2025 examined the nutrition profiles of six popular microgreen varieties. The researchers discovered that all of these microgreens deliver significanly higher levels ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-08-205 min read1