Robbie Sigona’s Produce Tips: Artichokes

• Artichokes should have tight and closed leaves.
• A telltale sign of a fresh artichoke is that the leaves will make a squeaky sound when gently squeezed.
• As with any good fruit or vegetable they should feel heavy for their size. Light airy artichokes have less meat and are usually old.
• Frost-kissed artichokes have better flavor – although the black marks on their leaves, created by frost, may not be so pretty, there’s nothing wrong with them. Cold weather (and frost) make for better tasting artichokes.
• They should have a fresh clean cut stem end.
• Refrigerate, unwashed, in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture for up to 5 days.

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Robbie Sigona is our produce buyer. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.