As an avid gardener and cooking enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for fresh, high-quality produce. And when artichoke season rolls around, I get particularly excited. With their unique flavor and texture, artichokes can elevate so many dishes. However, it can be tricky to discern when an artichoke is perfectly ripe and ready to eat. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly what to look for so you can pick or purchase flawless, ripe artichokes every time.
How Artichokes Grow and Ripen
First, a quick artichoke biology lesson. Artichokes are the immature flower buds of the artichoke plant, a type of thistle. As the buds develop, tightly packed rows of bracts (modified leaves) form around the base The bracts protect the fuzzy “choke” (inedible inner portion) and heart
Artichokes typically reach maturity during the summer months. The exact timing depends on variety, planting time, climate, and growing conditions. Some early-season cultivars can be ready to harvest as soon as 75-85 days after transplanting. Late-season types may take up to 100 days or longer to fully develop.
As the artichoke buds get riper, the bract tips start to come loose and open up. But the inner bracts should still be mostly closed for the fruit to be ripe. When the bracts come apart all the way and the inner fuzz shows, the bud is fully grown.
What to Look for When Choosing Ripe Artichokes
Ripe artichokes have some subtle, telltale signs that distinguish them from unripe or overripe buds:
Color
Look for vibrant green coloration on the buds and stems. Pale green or yellowish hues signal under-ripeness, while bronze indicates overmaturity. A few small brownish spots are normal.
Bract Tightness
The tips of the bracts should be closed tightly into a tight shape. As maturity approaches, the lower bract tips begin separating slightly. Avoid any buds where the inner fuzz is visible.
Firmness
Ripe artichokes feel heavy and firm when squeezed gently. Soft, spongy buds are overripe, while lightweight ones are underripe.
Size
Depending on the type, a ripe artichoke’s diameter is usually between 3 and 6 inches. Small buds that aren’t fully developed aren’t ready yet, and extra-large heads might be too mature.
Ease of Harvest
A mature artichoke snaps right off the plant with ease. Any wiggly or difficult-to-remove buds need more time.
Fresh Scent
Give your artichokes a sniff. Buds that are fully grown smell earthy and sweet, not sour, fermented, or dead.
Common Ripeness Issues to Watch For
It’s also helpful to recognize what immature and overmature artichokes look like:
Underripe
- Smaller than 2 inches diameter
- Closed, upright bract tips
- Light green color
- Soft, flexible feel
Overripe
- Larger than 6 inches diameter
- Spreading, separating bract tips
- Dark green to bronze exterior
- Hollow feel when lifted
- Drooping downward on plant
- Dull, dried out appearance
While ripe buds have the best flavor and texture, you can still eat slightly under- or overripe artichokes. Just trim away any really tough parts.
Storing Artichokes Post-Harvest
Once you’ve picked or purchased ripe artichokes, proper storage is key to preserving freshness:
- Refrigerate unwashed artichokes in a perforated plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
- Mist occasionally with water to maintain moisture.
- Store loose rather than bundled to prevent rotting.
- Keep stems trimmed to prevent moisture loss.
For ultimate taste and nutrients, cook artichokes as soon as possible after harvest. But with proper post-harvest care, you can still enjoy ripe, ready-to-eat artichokes for days after bringing them home.
So there you have it – everything you need to know to choose fresh, perfectly ripe artichokes for your table! Armed with these ripening cues, you can pick or purchase plump, flavorful buds that will shine in recipes. Trust me, taking the time to find great artichokes makes a huge difference in the finished dish.
Turn your produce into points & earn rewards with Fetch Shop
You’re already adding fresh produce to your grocery list each week, so why not get something in return for choosing to eat healthy? With Fetch Shop, you’ll earn points per dollar on the purchases you make at select stores when placing your order through the app, which means the more fruit and veggies you add to your list, the more rewards you’ll earn. Whether you’re scheduling a grocery pickup at Target using their Drive Up service or stocking up for a big get-together shopping online at Sam’s Club, you can turn your produce into Fetch points that can be redeemed for free gift cards when grocery shopping with Fetch Shop.
To earn rewards on fresh produce with Fetch Shop:
- Download Fetch.
- If you open the app and go to Fetch Shop, you’ll see an icon for it right next to the camera icon at the bottom of your screen on the “Discover” tab.
- When you get to Fetch Shop, scroll down until you see “Food
- After you press “Go shopping!” you can do your normal online grocery shopping. Don’t forget to put those fruits and vegetables in your cart to get even more points!
Where and how artichokes grow
These prickly wonders hail from the Mediterranean, soaking up the sun in places like Italy, France, and Spain. In the US, California reigns supreme as the artichoke king, growing almost 100% of the artichokes we devour. How do they grow? Think of a big, spiked pinecone. That’s pretty much it! They have beautiful purple flowers, but we like the unopened bud because it’s full of nutrients and antioxidants.
WHEN IS IT RIPE? ARTICHOKES
FAQ
How do you tell if an artichoke is ripe?
If you want to know if an artichoke is ready, look for bright green leaves that are tightly closed around the center. The artichoke should also feel heavy for its size and have a slight squeak when squeezed.
How to pick a good artichoke at the store?
Like most produce, choose artichokes that feel heavy when you pick them up. If they feel light, they’re probably a bit dried out and not as meaty as they should be. If you squeeze the artichoke, the leaves should “squeak”. Also look for artichokes that have little leaf separation.