Video: How To Break Down An Artichoke

Prepping artichokes is easier than you think

Artichokes might be one of those vegetables that you just as soon let the professionals handle. But don't save your enjoyment of them only for dining out or eating them from the jar. We're here to show you just how easy it is to prep artichoke hearts in a few quick steps.

First, prepare a bowl with cold water and the juice of one lemon. Set aside.

Cut the artichoke in half crosswise. Pull off the tough outer leaves. Once you get to the tender yellow insides, take a paring knife and peel away any of the remaining tough leaves at the base.

Continue peeling down along the stem to strip away the first layer of skin. (The stem is edible!) Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise, then quarter it the same way. Carefully trim away the fuzzy hairs in the middle (this is the choke) until clean. Drop the hearts into the acidulated water to keep them from turning brown.

Watch the video for our easy step-by-step guide.

Get artichoke heart recipes:

- Cheesy Artichoke Hearts Gratin

- Marinate Your Own Artichoke Hearts

- Simple Roasted Artichoke Hearts