How to Store Artichokes

Learn how to store artichokes and keep them fresh for longer.

Artichokes are better consumed fresh, but they don’t stay fresh for long. Like most vegetables, they’re perishable and spoil very quickly. To keep them fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential.

As advised by the California Artichoke Advisory Board, don’t freeze fresh artichokes. If you freeze uncooked artichokes, “they will turn brown upon thawing and taste pretty awful.”

Before storing your artichokes, the very first and most important thing is to make sure they’re fresh.

The artichoke you pick should feel heavy for its size and have a fresh scent. Look for the ones with firm leaves that are tightly closed and have a vibrant green color

Avoid those with wilted, yellowish leaves or dry, brown spots.

It’s best to buy them as close as possible to when you plan to use them.

Rinse the Artichokes

Once you have your fresh artichokes, rinse them under cold running water. Gently rub the surface to remove any dirt or debris.

Make sure you don’t cut or damage the leaves, as this could cause them to spoil quickly.

Trim the Stems and Cut Off the Thorns

Trim about an inch off the bottom of the artichoke stems; you’d want to use a very sharp knife to make this as seamless as possible.

Trimming the stems helps them sit flat and prevents them from absorbing excess water.

Next, cut off the sharp tips of the artichoke leaves with scissors. This is optional but helps prevent pricking your fingers while handling them.

Prepare for Storage

Now you’re ready to store your artichokes. There are two main methods to store artichokes: refrigerator storage and water storage. Use the one that’s most convenient for you.

For refrigerator storage:

Dry the artichokes thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Place the artichokes in a resealable plastic bag or container with a loose lid.
Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container before sealing it.
Store the artichokes in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

For water storage:

Fill a large bowl or container with cold water.
Add a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to the water. This helps maintain freshness and prevents bacteria growth.
Stand the artichokes in the bowl or container, ensuring they are fully submerged in the water.
Cover the bowl or container loosely with a plastic bag or lid to preserve moisture.

Check Regularly

Regardless of the storage method you choose, it’s essential to check on your artichokes regularly. Make sure they remain submerged in water (if using that method) and that the refrigerator temperature stays consistent.

How to Freeze Artichokes

Freezing artichokes is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. Here’s how to freeze artichokes in six simple steps:

Step 1: Blanch the Artichokes

As advised by the California Artichoke Advisory Board, don’t freeze raw artichokes. If frozen uncooked, “they will turn brown upon thawing and taste pretty awful.”

Start by blanching the artichokes to stop enzyme activity and preserve color, texture, and flavor. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. While waiting, prepare a bowl filled with ice water nearby.

Once boiling, add trimmed and cleaned artichokes to the pot and let cook for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the artichokes immediately to the ice bath to halt the cooking process. Leave them submerged for another 4-5 minutes before draining well.

Step 2: Dry Completely

Pat the artichokes dry with a clean kitchen towel or allow them to air-dry naturally. Ensuring they’re completely dry reduces the likelihood of freezer burn and improves overall preservation.

Step 3: Prep for Freezing

Trim any unwanted parts from the artichokes, leaving only the edible portions. For whole frozen artichokes, leave them intact. Alternatively, quarter or slice them according to your intended usage.

Then flash-freeze individual pieces by spreading the prepped artichoke pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring minimal overlap between pieces.

Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until individual pieces become firm. This flash-freezing technique prevents clumping during final storage.

Step 4: Transfer to Airtight Containers or Bags

Once frozen solid, carefully transfer the artichoke pieces to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags specifically designed for freezer storage.

Don’t forget to label each container with the date to keep track of freshness. Also remember to squeeze out excess air from the bags to minimize freezer burn.

Step 5: Time to Store

Keep the sealed containers or bags in the freezer at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). When stored properly, frozen artichokes can last up to one year without significant loss of quality.

Use them directly from the freezer in recipes calling for cooked artichokes, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving chilled or reheating.

Following these steps ensures your frozen artichokes retain their desirable qualities throughout extended periods, making them available for your future meals.

How to Store Cooked Artichokes

To store cooked artichokes, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Allow it to Cool

Let the cooked artichokes cool down completely to room temperature before proceeding with storage. This prevents condensation buildup which may lead to spoiling.

Step 2: Remove Choke

Before storing, remove the choke (the fuzzy center portion) if you haven’t already done so prior to cooking. Doing this makes reheating easier later on.

Step 3: Transfer to A Container

Transfer the cooled artichokes to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag designed for food storage.

Ensure there is ample space left inside the container to avoid crushing the delicate petals.

Step 4: Add Liquid (Optional)

For added moisture, pour a small amount of lemon juice, olive oil, or water into the base of the container covering the bottom third of the artichokes. This step is optional but recommended, especially when storing multiple layers of artichokes together.

Step 5: Seal Tightly

Seal the container tightly or press out as much air as possible from the plastic bag before sealing it shut. Limiting exposure to air slows down bacterial growth and prolongs freshness.

Step 6: Refrigerate Promptly

Place the sealed container or bag in the refrigerator promptly after preparation. Cooked artichokes should ideally be consumed within three to five days for the best taste and texture.

Step 7: Reheat Thoroughly Before Consuming

When ready to eat, reheat the artichokes until heated through entirely. You can steam, grill, bake, or microwave them depending on personal preference and the initial cooking method used. Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently store your cooked artichokes knowing they will stay fresh and enjoyable for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Follow the step-by-step instructions in this guide to store artichokes properly and keep them fresh for an extended period.

Start by choosing fresh artichokes, proceed to trim the stem and rinse the artichoke, and then store them in either the refrigerator or water, depending on your preference.