How long do artichokes last in the fridge? Whole fresh artichokes stay fresh for 5 to 7 days when stored properly. Cooked artichokes and opened canned artichoke hearts should be used within 3 to 4 days.
Artichokes can be tricky to assess because their outer leaves are naturally firm and sometimes discolored. Below, I’ll show you the best way to store fresh, cooked and canned artichokes, along with the signs that an artichoke has gone bad.
How Long Do Artichokes Last?
- Whole fresh artichokes: 5 to 7 days
- Cooked artichokes: 3 to 4 days
- Opened canned artichoke hearts: 3 to 4 days
If your artichoke is still fresh, follow my guide for how to cook and eat an artichoke.
Store whole fresh artichokes unwashed in a loosely sealed produce bag in the refrigerator. Cooked artichokes should be refrigerated in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
Transfer opened canned artichoke hearts and their liquid to a covered glass or plastic container instead of storing them in the opened can.
How To Store Fresh Artichokes
For the longest shelf life, store whole fresh artichokes unwashed in a loosely sealed produce bag in the refrigerator. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the stem before placing the artichoke in the bag, but avoid soaking it or adding excess moisture.
Wait to trim and wash the artichoke until you are ready to cook it. For the best texture and flavor, use it within 5 to 7 days.
How Long Do Artichoke Hearts Last in the Fridge?
Cooked artichoke hearts and opened canned artichoke hearts last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Place cooked hearts in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
Transfer leftover canned artichoke hearts and their liquid to a covered glass or plastic container rather than refrigerating them in the opened can. For jarred or marinated artichoke hearts, follow the storage instructions printed on the label because recommendations vary by brand.
Cooked artichoke hearts and opened canned artichoke hearts last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Place cooked hearts in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
How To Tell If an Artichoke Is Bad
Discard an artichoke if you notice any of these signs:
- Mold. Visible mold is a clear sign that the artichoke should be thrown away.
- Slimy or mushy texture. Fresh artichoke leaves should feel firm rather than wet, soft or slimy.
- Unpleasant odor. A sour, rotten or otherwise unusual smell indicates spoilage.
- Severe discoloration. Extensive black or dark, wet-looking areas can mean the artichoke is breaking down.
A few dry brown tips or slightly opened leaves usually indicate that an artichoke is older and beginning to lose moisture, but they do not necessarily mean it has spoiled. When in doubt, discard it rather than tasting it to determine whether it is safe.
How To Choose a Fresh Artichoke
Look for artichokes that feel heavy for their size and have firm, tightly packed leaves. Fresh artichokes are generally green, although some varieties naturally have purple coloring. When gently squeezed, the leaves may make a slight squeaking sound.
Avoid artichokes that feel unusually light, dry or spongy. Widely opened leaves usually indicate that the artichoke is past its peak.
Can You Freeze Artichokes?
Raw whole artichokes do not freeze well because they can become soft and mushy after thawing. For better results, cook the artichokes first and freeze the hearts:
- Cook the artichokes using your preferred method.
- Remove the leaves and fuzzy choke.
- Allow the hearts to cool, then pat them dry.
- Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Thaw frozen artichoke hearts overnight in the refrigerator before using them.
How To Reheat Cooked Artichokes
Reheat cooked artichokes using one of these methods:
- Steam: Place in a steamer basket, cover and steam for approximately 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Place in a covered baking dish with a splash of water and warm at 350 degrees F for approximately 15 minutes.
What To Do With Artichokes
Once you know your artichokes are still fresh, put them to good use:
- Learn how to cook and eat a fresh artichoke on the stove top.
- Make quick and tender Instant Pot artichokes.
- Add the hearts to creamy spinach artichoke dip or chicken bacon artichoke dip.
- Include them in antipasto skewers or pasta salad.
- Serve cooked artichoke hearts with melted butter or marinate them in olive oil, lemon juice and herbs.
Substitute for Artichoke Hearts
If your artichokes have gone bad or you do not have any on hand, use one of these flavorful substitutes for artichoke hearts.
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