StanR's Blog

This is to let everyone know that the stems on artichokes are edible and rather tasty at that. All that is needed is to cut off the stem (you do that anyway), cut off the darkened end and peel the stem. Make sure that you peel it deeply enough to remove the outer layer of tough fibers, but not so deep as to get into the center. If you go that deep, there really is nothing left to eat! A potato peeler is a good choice for peeling the stem. Now you can boil or steam the stem along with the artichoke. When the artichoke is tender the stem will be, too.

My only regret is that there is usually only 2 to 4 inches of stem to eat. I think the stems are almost as good as the heart (and they are a lot less work to get to them ;-) ).

Just so you know.