How do you pick artichokes?
Select deep green artichokes which are compact, firm globes and heavy for their size. During the summer and fall seasons, artichokes are slightly more oblong in shape, with slightly flared leaves. Artichokes should give slightly to pressure and have tight leaf formation. Do not select artichokes with heavy browning, spotting or look shriveled. (However, artichokes can have a slight darkening on leaf tips during late winter or early spring which is caused by chill or frost damage. This will not affect the quality of the artichoke.)
