Definition

Noun: - The tender, fleshy, edible central portion of a young, immature globe artichoke flower bud. This is the most prized part of the vegetable, located at the base after the inedible outer leaves and the fuzzy, inedible "choke" have been removed.

Usage

• The term "artichoke heart" refers specifically to the prepared, edible core of the artichoke. It is used as a countable noun.
• It is commonly served marinated, grilled, in salads, dips, or as a pizza topping.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Hearts of palm" vs. "Artichoke hearts": These are different ingredients. "Hearts of palm" come from the inner core of certain palm trees, while "artichoke hearts" come from the thistle plant.
  • The salad contained both artichoke hearts and hearts of palm.

Variants and Related Words

• Artichoke (noun): The whole vegetable, a type of thistle flower bud.
• Globe artichoke (noun): The common variety from which hearts are harvested.
• Choke (noun): The inedible, fuzzy part covering the artichoke heart, which must be scraped away.

Synonyms

• Artichoke bottom: Sometimes used interchangeably, though it can more specifically refer to the very base of the heart.
• Prepared artichoke center: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• Canned artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts preserved in brine or oil, commonly found in grocery stores.
  • For a quick appetizer, use canned artichoke hearts.
• Frozen artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts that have been frozen for preservation.
• Jarred artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts marinated and stored in jars.

Noun

1. the tender fleshy center of the immature artichoke flower