Drying artichokes is a great way to keep them fresh for longer and have them as a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Whether you want to add them to salads, soups or pasta dishes, dried artichokes keep their flavor and nutrients. In this post I’ll show you how to dehydrate artichokes with a dehydrator.
Before we get started, you need to prep the artichokes. Here’s how:
Select Fresh Artichokes: Choose fresh, firm artichokes with tightly closed leaves and no browning. The greener the better.
Rinse: Rinse the artichokes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Trim the Artichokes:
Cut off the top 1/4 of the artichoke and trim the stem, leaving about 1 inch intact.
Use a sharp knife to trim the outer leaves, cutting off the tough green parts.
Halve and Clean:
Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the fuzzy choke in the center.
Prevent Browning:
Fill a bowl with water and add the juice of one lemon.
Place the artichokes in the lemon water and soak for 5-10 minutes.
Blanch in Boiling Water:
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Blanch the artichoke halves in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes to help preserve their color and nutrients.
Drain and Pat Dry:
Drain the artichokes and pat them dry with a clean cloth.
Now that your artichokes are prepped, you can start the drying process to create dehydrated artichokes.
Preheat the Dehydrator:
Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), the ideal temperature for drying vegetables.
Arrange the Artichokes:
Place the artichoke halves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
Don’t overlap them.
Drying Time:
Dry the artichokes for 8-12 hours, depending on size and moisture content.
Check every now and then to make sure they’re drying evenly.
Check for Doneness:
They should be dry and brittle.
If they’re still pliable, leave them in the dehydrator for a bit longer.
Cool Down:
Once dry, let the artichokes cool completely before storing.
Storage is key to keeping the flavor and nutrients of your dried artichokes. To store dehydrated artichokes properly, follow these steps:
Airtight Container:
Store the dried artichokes in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
Moisture Absorbers:
Add a tiny packet of silica gel to the airtight container to absorb any moisture and prevent clumping.
Location:
Store the container in a cool, dark place.
Label and Date:
Label the container with the date dried.
Shelf Life:
Stored properly, dried artichokes will last up to 6 months without losing flavor and nutrients.
Drying artichokes is not just about storage; it also amplifies the flavor so they’re great in many dishes. From stuffed artichokes to hearty stews, the options are endless. Artichoke hearts can be used in various recipes, including pan-frying, stuffing, and even freezing for later use.
Drying artichokes in a dehydrator is easy and fun. Try it out and enjoy in your favorite recipes. If you want to level up your cooking skills, add dried artichokes to your arsenal.
Ready to start drying your own artichokes? Share your experience with our community and find more tips and recipes on our website. Happy drying!
