I love artichoke, but don't know how to tell if they are going to be good, or how to cook them.
Can anyone give me some tips?

Trin

Make sure the artichoke squeaks when you squeeze it. If there is no noise its probably old.
I cook my artichokes in my pressure cooker since its quicker. Cut off the very top so the leaves are flat on top, cut each leaf top off flat, just a little,(there is a thorn at each end) Then I smash the top on a cabinet corner to open it up, Shake on salt & garlic powder. Place in a steamer or pressure cooker. it takes about 15-20 in the PC, an maybe 30+ in a steamer. When the leaves pluck off real easy they are done. Good luck, I just love them.

Hi Trin!-- artichokes leaves should be tight; sometimes they are discolored in spots which indicates frost damage, but that's ok because it does not affect the fleshy part we eat. They should feel heavy for their size and apparently the smaller ones are a bit better.

I cook them plain, boiled in a couple of inches of water with lemon juice squirted over them; they take quite awhile to cook--I'm guessing @45 minutes or so. To check whether they are done or not, you should be able to pull out a leaf easily. Before cooking, trim the bottom stem end and trim each leaf (1/4-1/2 inch) to remove the thorn. At the top, I just slice off the pointed part. It's what you dip them in that makes them so yummy, imo! We use sour cream and curry powder, but most people use a mayonaise-based sauce.

How to cook & eat a artichoke

Here is a link that might be useful: how to cook & eat

I love them too...sooo good. I make a dip using olive oil, parmesan cheese salt and pepper. especially delicious. My father was from Italy and that is how we always ate them.

I like them with lemon juice in melted butter for dipping.

I love a steamed artichoke with butter and lemon.

When I was a kid growing up in Oregon, mom had an ENORMOUS artichoke plant on the south side of the house. We ate them regularly in season. I can make an entire meal out of a large artichoke!

Now in WNC, artichokes are rare, ratty, and flavorless. Sigh..I love 'em!

I like them stuffed with crab and cracker crumbs. Yummy. It's been a long time.

I forgot to check back on this link, and now have a craving for an artichoke. Thanks to all who answered!
I never knew they squeeked!
The ones I used to eat in oregon were yummy, havne't found one yet in Texas, but with all this good advice, i am going to give it another shot!
Hi sjerin!!

Trin