While we chatted about how to sow and grow artichokes, it’s time to talk about how to harvest and store them.
Harvesting Tips:
Depending on the type and variety of artichokes, it can mature between 90 and 180 days which is a big span. Read the seed packet!
The best time to harvest is in the morning or evening when it is cooler or when the sun is not intense.
Harvest the artichoke bud before the leaves start opening.
Use a sharp knife and cut the stem at an angle around 3 inches below the artichoke bud. By cutting the stem at an angle, the rain water will run off and not just sit there.
The first artichoke bud tends to be a little larger than the other ones and comes up in the middle. After you harvest the first one, you will get lateral or side shoots.
Storing Tips:
As for storage, I put my artichokes in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator. I prefer to eat them fresh by steaming.
For long term storage, some folks pickle or can. Others blanch for 10 minutes and individually freeze and store the artichokes hearts in the freezer in an airtight container.
Don’t forget to check out how to sow and grow artichokes.
