Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts are the tender, fleshy center of the artichoke flower bud. They are typically harvested when the bud is mature but before the flower petals open. After harvesting, they are often trimmed, cooked, and preserved, commonly in brine or oil.

Artichoke hearts are used to add a distinct, slightly nutty and earthy flavor to dishes. They are frequently found in canned vegetables, dips, spreads, salads, and pasta dishes, providing a unique texture and taste.

Artichoke hearts are considered a vegetable and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food. They contain fiber and antioxidants. International bodies like EFSA have evaluated artichoke extracts for various health benefits, though specific evaluations of the whole food form in a US context are less common. No significant health concerns are associated with consuming artichoke hearts at typical dietary levels.