How to Dehydrate Artichokes and Use Them in Recipes

To make dehydrated artichokes, start by rinsing the artichoke hearts. Cut them into quarters and steam-blanch them for 4 minutes. Spread your artichoke hearts on dehydrator trays and dry them in a food dehydrator at 135°F for 5-8 hours until they are brittle.

How to Dehydrate Artichokes in a Food Dehydrator

Dehydrating artichokes in a food dehydrator is the best way to dry them.

Follow these steps to dehydrate artichokes in a dehydrator:

1. Start by washing the artichokes with clean, running water.
2. Using a sharp knife, remove the tops and any dark leaves from your artichokes to reach the artichoke hearts.
3. Scoop out the fuzzy choke from the artichoke heart since it is not edible.
4. Slice the artichoke hearts into quarters.
5. Blanch them in boiling water for 4 minutes to enhance safety and quality, then drain with a strainer.
6. Place artichoke pieces on paper towels to help remove any excess moisture.
7. Arrange your sliced artichoke hearts on dehydrator trays and dehydrate them at 135ºF for 5-8 hours or until they are dry and brittle.
8. Store your dried artichokes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How to Dehydrate Artichokes in an Oven

You can use a conventional oven to dry artichokes in the oven:

1. Clean the artichokes and slice them into quarters.
2. Blanch the artichoke hearts in boiling water for 4 minutes and let them cool in ice water.
3. Remove excess water by patting them dry with paper towels.
4. Arrange the quartered artichoke hearts in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Dry artichokes in the oven at 245°F for 4 hours. Keep the oven door partially open to enhance air circulation and allow humidity to escape.
6. Check on the artichokes every 20 minutes or so and remove them from the oven once they are fully dry.
7. Allow them to come to room temperature before storing them in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.

How to Use Dehydrated Artichoke Leaves

There are many ways to use dried artichoke leaves:

• Artichoke Tea: Turn dried artichoke leaves into aromatic artichoke tea. This tea is made by boiling dehydrated artichoke leaves in water.
• Cooking: You can use artichoke leaves to add flavor to soups and stews.
• DIY Home Decor: You can use dried artichoke for home decorations.
• Garnish for Dishes: Dehydrated artichoke leaves can be used for presentation as a garnish for salads, canapes, and pasta dishes.
• Healthy Snack: Dehydrated artichokes make a great snack and can be eaten on their own.
• Pizza Topping: Use dried artichoke leaves as a pizza topping.
• Side Dish: Dehydrated artichoke leaves are a great side dish when served with dips like balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or melted cheese

Are Dehydrated Artichokes Healthy?

Dehydrated artichokes are healthy and a great addition to your diet. Dried artichoke is full of flavor and packed with nutrition.

Dehydrated artichoke leaves are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports proper digestion and encourages bowel regularity. They are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, protein, and potassium and have powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system.

How to Rehydrate Dehydrated Artichokes

To rehydrate dried artichokes, soak them in boiling water for 15 minutes. Add a few drops of lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Storing Dehydrated Artichokes the Right Way

Store dehydrated artichokes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing dehydrated artichokes in plastic bags. Glass jars and canning jars make excellent containers, as do Mylar bags.

Freeze-dried artichoke hearts can be kept in vacuum-seal bags and frozen to extend their shelf life.

Shelf Life of Dehydrated Artichokes

If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, dehydrated artichokes can last 3–6 years. For the best flavor, consume dehydrated artichokes in 12-18 months.