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The Fastest Way to Clean and Prep an Artichoke

March 29, 2016
Illustration: Steve Sanford
Fearlessly prep and steam a whole artichoke with our easy step-by-step guide.
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5 Simple Steps

Don’t let the tight bud and prickly leaves keep you from getting at the meat of one of the tastiest vegetables of the season. With a few basic kitchen tools, you can make short work of artichoke prep.
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1. Cut

Illustration: Steve Sanford
Use a serrated knife to cut off the top of the bud and trim 1⁄2 inch off the stem.

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2. Snip

Illustration: Steve Sanford
Use kitchen shears to snip off the pointy thorns of the tough outer leaves. Pull off any brown leaves.
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3. Peel

Illustration: Steve Sanford
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin on the stem and at the base of the artichoke.

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4. Rub

Illustration: Steve Sanford
Rub with lemon all over to prevent browning, or submerge the artichokes in lemon water.

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5. Steam

Illustration: Steve Sanford
Steam the artichokes, stem side up, covered, in a nonreactive steamer with 1 inch of water over medium heat 35 minutes or until easily pierced with a thin knife.
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