Why You May Want To Use Canned Artichokes Over Fresh - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

Why You May Want To Use Canned Artichokes Over Fresh - Tasting Table? ›

While (as with most vegetables) buying fresh is preferred, canned artichokes can be a godsend for any cook short on time and looking to add some class to an otherwise basic dish.

The oil-packed ones are a little higher in healthy fat, but draining the oil will help save some calories. Fresh artichokes can be expensive to buy and laborious to trim and cook. That's what makes canned and frozen ones excellent alternatives when it isn't practical to use fresh artichokes.

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.

Tasters praised the frozen sample as having a “natural” artichoke flavor but found its texture mushy, while the canned artichokes retained a tinny “tang” even after rinsing and drying. Still, both frozen and canned artichokes worked well in most recipes, their minor deficiencies masked by other flavors and textures.

Yes, you can eat artichoke hearts straight from the can without cooking them. They are typically pre-cooked and ready to be consumed. However, many people prefer to cook them further to enhance the flavor and texture.

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 ).

Artichokes contain many nutrients and may offer potential health benefits, including liver health support, blood pressure regulation, and improved fiber and vitamin intake.

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.

Since artichokes are a good source of pre- and pro-biotics, they can help combat fatigue and promote increased energy for those who regularly consume them.

Artichokes have long been used as a digestive aid to reduce inflammation and therefore symptoms of IBS, including bloating, abdominal pain, and cramps, as well as reducing both diarrhea and constipation through normalization of GI mobility.

How many artichoke hearts can you eat a day? ›

When giving a number of recommended artichokes, we could say that there is no exact number. Still, eating about 2 or 3 servings per week is recommended to leave room for other very beneficial foods that will provide other much-needed nutrients.

Canned artichokes are also a lunchtime hero: Try chopping and stirring them into a quick meal like chicken or tuna salad, or even let them replace the protein altogether as a vegetarian option. Chop them even finer and use them as a flavor-bomb of a spread on a regular ham or turkey sandwich.

Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Artichokes are part of the vegetable group. Foods from the vegetable group provide important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

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.

They boast the same richness as fresh artichokes, with a slight tang that pairs especially well with salty feta cheese. Plus, they're economical and available year-round. This artichoke hearts recipe is easy to adapt to your taste and mood. Keep it simple with EVOO, salt and pepper or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

The stem is edible too, so don't toss' em out. Just peel them to get to the tender center.

These little vegetables with big hearts are halved and ready to serve right out of the can. Artichokes are perfect for use in spinach-and-artichoke dips. Try the recipe for artichoke dip on the can! Or simply use artichoke hearts as toppings for delicious Mediterranean salads with no prep needed.

Some people choose to peel away the petals of the artichoke and only eat the center, or "heart.” However, some of the best nutrients are concentrated in the leaves. To get the full health benefits, you can pull the leaves off the artichoke and scrape off the meaty part with your teeth.