How to Eat an Artichoke

updated November 06, 2023

5 from 6 votes

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Eating an artichoke is easy if you know what you are doing. So, let me show you how to eat an artichoke the expert way with this handy guide.

Don’t be intimidated by eating an artichoke. If you’ve got the know-how, it’ll take pride of place on your next charcuterie board, crudité platter, or just as your appetizer of choice. When you enjoy artichokes, the main edible part is the “petals”. The heart of the artichoke can also be used, but the petals are best for dipping.

Before you can eat them, of course, you need to rinse the artichokes, prep, and cook them. Check out how to steam, boil, roast, and more here.

To eat it, start by pulling off one of the outermost petals of the cooked artichoke. Continue until all of the petals are removed. The leaves should come off easily.

Optionally, you can dip the base of the petal in your favorite dipping sauce.

Then place the light end of the artichoke petal into your mouth (dip side down) and pull, scraping through your teeth. You will collect the soft, pulpy part of the leaves. You can then discard the rest.

Underneath the artichoke petals is the artichoke heart – this is edible too. First, remove the fuzzy “choke” part. Then, using a knife, cut the heart into pieces and dip it into melted butter, a vinaigrette, or a sauce to eat.

My favorite sauces for artichoke dipping have to be this special mayo dip and this classic garlic butter sauce. They bring out the petals’ complex flavor.

What’s your favorite dip for enjoying this vegetable? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Cook Artichokes

Roasted artichoke halves in a baking tray

If you have just learned how to eat an artichoke, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

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