Jarred Artichokes - Lidia (2024)

Artichokes are a nutritious and versatile spring vegetable, yet many people shy away from them. Italians, on the other hand, love their artichokes in a thousand ways. The prized section of the artichoke is the soft inner heart, exposed once cleaned and trimmed down. It has a buttery, smooth texture. And off-season, when you can’t get the fresh version, there are always artichoke hearts preserved in oil or vinegar. Unlike fresh artichokes, jarred artichokes can be enjoyed year-round and are a great option for the home cook that hasn’t mastered the technique of preparing fresh artichokes, or for people that are pressed for time. (A visit to any supermarket in Italy entails exploring shelves filled with all sorts of vegetables submerged in olive oil.)

The artichokes can be used on antipasti platters, in pasta sauces, as a topping on pizza, and much more. For a boost of flavor, I like to sauté the hearts in the skillet before using them in a recipe.

Italians have a long history of preserving and canning vegetables for the winter months. Submerging vegetables in olive oil or vinegar extends their lifespan and prevents deterioration and mold from forming. In fact, this practice is especially common in Southern Italian regions, which are known around the world for their high-quality fresh and marinated artichokes. In the early twentieth century, Italians from these regions who immigrated and settled in California started growing artichokes, which were then unknown to Americans. From that time on, California became renowned for its artichoke production.

Preserved artichoke hearts are typically canned or sold in jars. Although more affordable, canned artichokes are high in sodium and tend to be soggy and less flavorful, so I recommend using jarred artichokes packed in olive oil when possible. You can even use the oil as a salad dressing! If you do choose to buy canned artichokes, rinse them before use to reduce the sodium content. And, of course, anyone can make their own jarred artichoke hearts at home. Though time consuming, it is worth the effort. Just remember to sterilize the jars before canning!

Jarred Artichokes - Lidia (2024)

FAQs

Should I rinse jarred artichokes? ›

When choosing canned artichokes, you'll find that they're usually sold either whole or quartered in a saltwater solution. When you open a can of artichokes, be sure to rinse them thoroughly so that all you're left with is the sweet, slightly tangy flavor and creamy texture of the vegetable.

Are marinated artichokes in a jar good for you? ›

Are marinated artichoke hearts good for you? Absolutely! They are very high in fiber and contain a multitude of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. They are also a rich source of potassium and antioxidants.

Which is better, canned or jarred artichoke hearts? ›

Unlike mushy canned artichokes, we find that jarred artichokes stay fairly firm and meaty. We admit they're not quite as fresh-tasting as frozen artichokes, but like we said, they're great in a pinch when we need a quick weeknight meal. These artichoke hearts can round out a frittata or top a quick pizza.

Can you eat artichokes straight from the jar? ›

Yes, artichokes from a jar are typically already cooked and ready to eat.

How long are artichokes good for after you open the jar? ›

We marinate ours in herbs/spices, salt, pepper, a little sugar, Olive oil and white wine vinegar and store them in a large screw lid glass jar. They keep really well kept in the coolroom. We use Cambro plastic containers, and get a good 10 to 14 days shelf life after opening.

Are marinated artichoke hearts good for your liver? ›

Artichokes contain many nutrients and may offer potential health benefits, including liver health support, blood pressure regulation, and improved fiber and vitamin intake. Very few risks are associated withIeating artichokes, with the exception of potential allergic reactions or FODMAP sensitivity for people with IBS.

What do artichokes in a jar taste like? ›

These artichoke hearts have a great flavor. They are a little tangy from the vinegar in the marinade, but the added marinade flavor makes for delicious artichoke hearts.

Are marinated artichokes good for gut health? ›

Artichokes are a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy by promoting friendly gut bacteria, reducing your risk of certain bowel cancers, and alleviating constipation and diarrhea ( 20 , 21 ). Artichokes contain inulin, a type of fiber which acts as a prebiotic ( 22 ).

Do you have to cook artichoke hearts from a jar? ›

While artichoke hearts from a jar are already cooked, you can certainly incorporate them into various cooked dishes. They can be added to pasta, salads, pizzas, or used as a topping for bruschetta. Cooking them lightly in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and herbs can also enhance their flavor.

What do artichokes pair well with? ›

The purple flowering artichoke has a floral, citrusy aroma that pairs well with other citrus-scented ingredients such as lemons, limes, bergamots and grapefruit. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro and even chile peppers complement the artichoke's floral notes, as do meats like duck, bacon and fried gamba (shrimp).

Can you overcook artichoke hearts? ›

Preparing artichokes is quite easy though I have found that many home cooks, even accomplished ones, often overcook them, so that both the delicious tips of the leaves and the hearts are mushy. They shouldn't be. There should be a bit of resistance when you take a bite - not a lot, but some.

Are jarred artichokes as healthy as fresh? ›

You'll find similar nutritional benefits in canned or marinated artichoke hearts. However, the liquid or oil they're stored in may add extra calories, sodium and fat.

Do artichoke hearts lower blood pressure? ›

Artichoke might lower blood pressure. Taking artichoke along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Why are artichoke hearts so expensive? ›

Artichoke heads are still harvested by hand and, since this depends on their ripening, this may span several weeks. This leads to particularly high production costs, making artichokes among the most expensive vegetables on the market (at equivalent edible quantities).

Do artichokes need to be washed before cooking? ›

First, you want to wash the artichoke. The California Artichoke Advisory Board recommends you rinse the artichoke under cold running water, and brush lightly from the base to the tip with a vegetable brush. This helps remove the artichoke's bitter-tasting natural coating.

Are canned artichokes safe to eat? ›

Artichokes are healthy vegetables that deliver nutrients like fiber, vitamin K and magnesium, and antioxidants like cynarin and silymarin. Canned, jarred or frozen artichoke hearts make it easy for us to enjoy them year-round.

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