When Is Artichoke Season? [Recipes + Guide]

Artichokes are a unique and versatile vegetable known for its tender heart and delicate flavor. These green-hued vegetables are packed with layers of leaves that protect the fleshy, tender heart, which is the centerpiece of many classic dishes. From tasty dips to salad toppings, artichokes lend a distinctive flavor and texture to any recipe.

But when is artichoke season, and does it differ from region to region?

Before you guard your heart and ask layers of questions, let’s go through the basics of artichoke season and uncover a few artichoke recipes.

When are artichokes in season?

In North America, artichokes are a spring vegetable in season from March to May, with smaller batches in October. This fruit is labor-intensive and requires harvesting by hand because each artichoke matures at different times. The exact harvesting timeline varies depending on location, climate and variety. However, you can typically find artichokes at your local grocery store year-round.

How to pick ripe artichokes

Not sure how to pick a perfectly ripe artichoke? Ripe artichokes have tight, compact leaves with a heavy feel.

Here are a few things to consider when picking the right artichoke:

• Check the weight: Ripe artichokes should feel heavy for their small to medium size. The heaviness indicates it’s filled with moisture and has a good amount of edible flesh.
• Inspect the leaves: A ripe artichoke has tightly packed leaves with a vibrant green color. Leaves should be firm and not wilted — watch out for any browning or yellowing.
• Give a gentle squeeze: Artichokes should be firm and solid. Gently squeeze the artichoke to feel for any soft spots or sponginess.
• Look for closures: Artichokes shouldn’t have loose leaves around the choke, which is the fuzzy center of the artichoke. Leaves that are tight around this area indicate fresh artichokes.
• Keep the season in mind: Shop artichokes during the spring season for the best flavor. While you’ll find the freshest ones during the artichoke season, it’s still possible to find good-quality ones outside peak seasons.

Signs of an overripe artichoke

Don’t let an overly ripe artichoke ruin your weeknight dinner — here are a few signs of an overripe artichoke to look for.

• Loose leaves: Overripe artichoke leaves start to open or loosen near the choke, which indicates it’s past its prime and the leaves are drying out.
• Mushy texture: When artichokes are overly ripe, they feel soft or mushy when you gently squeeze them.
• Dry stem: Look out for dry or woody stems, which means it’s losing moisture and becoming less palatable.
• Discoloration: Artichokes that have browning or yellowing on their leaves could mean they are no longer fresh.
• Strong odor: Overly ripe artichokes may emit a foul or fermented odor, which could be a telltale sign it’s no longer suitable for consumption.
• Visible mold or mildew: Any signs of mold or mildew on the surface means you should throw out the artichoke.

How to store artichokes

Maximize the freshness of your artichokes by storing them properly. Here are a few tips to consider with artichoke season approaching:

• Keep them in the fridge: Artichokes thrive in the refrigerator because it helps maintain humidity levels. Place your artichokes directly in the vegetable drawer or store them in a plastic bag to allow some airflow.
• Add back moisture: Since artichokes dry out quickly, you can wrap the base with a damp paper towel before placing them in the fridge to help retain moisture.
• Don’t wash until using: Wait until you’re ready to use your artichokes before washing them because the excess moisture can promote mold growth.
• Use acidulated water: Dip the artichokes in water with lemon juice or vinegar to help slow down the browning process. 
• Keep them away from fruits that emit ethylene gas: Avoid storing artichokes near fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, including bananas and avocados, which accelerate ripening and deterioration.

Artichoke recipes

Ready to get to cooking? Here are some artichoke recipes to get inspired for game day or perhaps engagement party food:

• Creamy Parmesan and artichoke dip
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Pasta with tuna, sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts
• Artichoke and spinach lasagna
• Spinach artichoke stuffed chicken

Grab it now on Instacart:

Artichoke

Organic artichoke

Purple artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke

Grilled artichokes

Canned artichokes

Parmesan

Mayo

Spinach

Garlic

Unraveling the layers of artichokes

When planning your meals throughout the year, keep in mind when artichoke season occurs to ensure maximum freshness. When shopping for artichokes, remember to gently squeeze them to check their firmness and look for tightly packed, green leaves. Look out for any foul odors or dry stems, which indicate it’s time to throw them out.

Shop for artichokes year-round with the help of Instacart. Place an online order today and receive your fresh or canned artichokes right at your door. Cut down on prep time and avoid the hustle and bustle of going grocery shopping.

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