How To Trim An Artichoke

Since I was a young kid, I have always enjoyed artichokes.  I liked them because, unlike everything else I ate, they did not require a fork (and the melted butter too!).  Now I make artichokes often.  My kids now enjoy them for the very same reasons.   It was not until I was a grown-up that I learned the proper way to trim them.  Life changer.  A simple technique, but your family will thank you for not getting poked by the prickly tips anymore.

Step 1: Remove the outer bottom leaves

Step 2: Using a chef’s knife, cut off the stem, creating a flat surface that will allow the artichoke to stand upright without tipping.

Step 3: Using a serrated knife, cut off the top quarter (or so) of the artichoke.

Step 4: Using kitchen shears, carefully trim the tips of each accessible leaf, removing the pointy tops and replacing them with a flat edge.

Step 5: A properly trimmed artichoke ready for steaming.