Unlike other vegetables which can be stored while raw, artichokes are very delicate and tend to loss their texture and flavour when stored raw. Therefore, the trick to storing artichokes lies in cooking them beforehand. However, the problem is that when cooked artichokes are stored the wrong way they can lose all their flavours and texture. Therefore, it is important to learn how to store cooked artichokes the right way. Here are a few methods that you can use. Carefully follow them for the best result.
Contents
Store cooked artichokes in the fridge
NB: this method only preserves cooked artichokes for a short period of time. Therefore, only use it when you are certain that you will consume them within a week.
Step 1
When storing leftover cooked artichokes in the fridge the first thing to do is to let them cool down at room temperature. This will actually help them to freeze properly.
Step 2
When the cooked artichokes have cooled down take an air tight container and place the cooked artichokes inside. Alternatively you can place them in a freezer bag and take out as much air as possible before closing it.
Step 3
Take the container or freezer bag and place it in the fridge. The cooked artichokes can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. So make sure you eat them within that time frame.
Store cooked artichokes in the freezer
NB: this is the best method of storing cooked artichokes. This is because it really extends the shelf life of the artichokes whilst preserving their taste.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked artichokes in the freezer, start by ensuring that the artichokes have cooled down. This is because if you place them in the freezer while hot they will actually cause the temperature of the freezer to change. This will also affect the shelf life of other foods in your freezer.
Step 2
When they have cooled down, take a baking tray and place the cooked artichokes inside. Make sure you spread them out so that they can freeze properly. Before placing the cooked artichokes in the freezer, sprinkle them with lemon juice. This will help to prevent them from darkening.
Step 3
Place the cooked artichokes into the freezer and let them freeze for about 4 hours. When they are frozen you can transfer them into freezer bags. Make sure you divide them into meal portions. This will help you in the long run since you can simply defrost 1 portion instead of the whole batch. Before sealing the freezer bags take out as much air as possible. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
Step 4
Take a marker and use it to label your freezer bags. Include the date in which you are placing them in the freezer. This will help you to recall when they are most likely to expire. You can also indicate how many people each portion serves.
Step 5
Place the cooked artichokes in the freezer. They can last for about 10 to 12 months. Therefore, you need to eat them within that time frame.
How to defrost cooked artichokes
Cooked artichokes that were kept in the freezer should be defrosted in the fridge. This helps to minimise temperature shock. Furthermore, it helps to protect the food from bacteria. So if you know that you want to reheat your frozen cooked artichoke then transfer them from the freezer to the fridge. Allow them to thaw overnight. Alternatively you can thaw your cooked artichokes in the microwave for a few minutes. Then cook them immediately to prevent bacteria from building up.
How to reheat cooked artichokes
Reheat cooked artichokes in the oven
This is actually the best method of reheating leftover cooked artichokes since it helps to retain their flavour and texture. To use this method start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Take an oven safe dish and place the leftover cooked artichokes inside. Add a few drops of water or oil then cover them with aluminium foil. The reason for adding water or oil is so that you provide the cooked artichokes with a bit of moisture. The moisture will help them to reheat properly without sticking to the bottom. Place the dish in the oven and let the cooked artichokes reheat for about 10 minutes. When the cooked artichokes are warm enough remove them and serve immediately.
Reheat cooked artichokes in the microwave
This method is faster but, it doesn’t really preserve the texture of the cooked artichokes. In order to use this method you need to place the cooked artichokes in a microwave safe bowl then add a few drops of water. This will help to give the artichokes more moisture and they will not dry out during the reheating stage. Cover the bowl with a wet paper cloth or towel then place it into the microwave. Reheat the leftover cooked artichokes for about 1 minute then check if they have reached the desired temperature. If not then you can add an additional minute. When the cooked artichokes are done serve them immediately.
How to tell when cooked artichokes have turned bad
It is possible for cooked artichokes that are stored in the fridge or freezer to go bad. The first sign to take note of is the smell of the cooked artichokes. If they have an odd or unpleasant smell then that means they are no longer fit for consumption. The other thing to take note of is the colour or appearance of the cooked artichokes. If they have a brown like colour and slimy texture then you definitely need to throw them away. Eating artichokes that have turned bad can lead to sickness.
Conclusion
Generally, storing cooked artichokes is an easy task. It is worth noting that cooked artichokes should always be stored in the fridge or freezer 2 hours after preparation. This is because if you keep them at room temperature for a long period of time they become exposed to bacteria.
