Artichoke heart smack down: canned vs. frozen
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09 Jan Artichoke heart smack down: canned vs. frozen

Posted at 10:18h in Fruits and Veggies, recipes by

 

Ever since the Siriracha Spiked Artichoke recipe came to fruition, I’ve been addicted to those canned
artichoke hearts. The briney flavor (even after rinsing) and the meaty texture are substantial, satisfying and nutritious. 1/2 cup boasts just 35 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.  Just open, drain, rinse and eat. Repeat.

There’s been much talk about frozen vs. canned artichoke hearts. While it will require one more step and added minutes (defrost time), I’m open to trying the frozen. The word on the street is that Trader Joe’s frozen artichokes are the best around…lucky for us, a TJ’s is set to open in these parts in 2012.

What about the jarred version? Frankly, I’m not a fan. My preference is to season them on my own, so there’s no need for the added accoutrements one finds in a jar of artichokes, in my opinion. You?

Currently sourcing the best canned and frozen artichoke recipes. Please share your favorites as well as your preference. Do you prefer canned or frozen? 

12 Comments
  • Erin Trom
    Posted at 13:04h, 09 January

    I made a great spread the other day with:
    1 can quartered artichoke hearts
    1 can cannelinni beans
    1/4 cup Good Seasons Italian dressing
    Sprinkle of garlic powder
    Several dashes of Tabasco

    SO good!

    • Robin
      Posted at 11:03h, 11 January

      Erin-that sounds awesome!

  • Debbie
    Posted at 13:31h, 09 January

    I am not a fan of jarred artichokes unless they are going into a tossed salad and the other flavors become part of the dressing. Cooking mostly for 2, I find the frozen artichokes keep longer and I can use the portion size I need, then refreeze.

    • Robin
      Posted at 11:03h, 11 January

      Debbie-I’m hitting the store for those frozen babies next!

  • Sarah
    Posted at 23:32h, 17 April

    I love all artichokes! I first got addicted to the canned ones when I was little, but I seriously love all of them — canned, frozen, jarred, fresh. That said, I’ve recently been buying the frozen because they’re just a lot cheaper (unless you hit Costco on the regular, in which case the jarred ones are a pretty good deal). At my local grocery store, 14.5 oz. cans run around $3 – $4, while 12 oz. frozen bags at TJ’s run around $2. And of course, down by Gilroy you can get 10 whole artichokes for $1 🙂

    These things matter because I use them in literally everything.

    • Robin
      Posted at 14:40h, 04 April

      Sarah-
      I love Costco, too but I haven’t seen artichokes packed in water there–do you get water or oil packed?

  • Heirloom Tomato
    Posted at 00:30h, 09 March

    Trader Joes frozen artichokes taste fresh and sweet, and they are tender and delicious. I just used my first bag and immediately put more on my shopping list. They taste noticeably better than the canned variety.

    • Robin
      Posted at 14:39h, 04 April

      I totally agree. They are also more economical! Thanks for reading!

  • Karin
    Posted at 14:36h, 04 April

    I went to Trader Joe’s in Bellingham yesterday and they no longer carry the frozen artichokes!! Aghh!!

    • Robin
      Posted at 14:39h, 04 April

      Such a bummer, Karin!! I wonder if they are discontinued at every TJ’s across the country? Where are you located in the US? I’ll help you try to find some!!

    • Cynthia Bestall
      Posted at 15:39h, 10 September

      I just bought some at my Trader Joe’s. Los Angeles, they always have them.

      • Robin
        Posted at 08:54h, 08 October

        I need to remember that TJ’s has them!