How to Cook Whole Artichokes

Always break off the stalk right next to the base so that the fibers in the heart come away with the stalk.

Cut about 3-4cm from the leaf tips using a carving knife

Remove the small lower leaves and cut away the remaining leaves from the base using a sharp knife.

Remove the tips from the remaining leaves by using succors. If the prepared artichoke is not to be cooked immediately, soak in slightly salted, acidulated water.

Put the artichoke in salted, boiling water and add few drops of lemon juice, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Twist out the inner leaves; and set aside.

Use a sharp spoon and scoop out the choke from the heart. Replace the inner leaves, upside-down.