How to Clean Cardoon - Preparing Cardoon for Use in Recipes

Remove the Large Leaves

Cut off the leaves of the cardoon

Photo © Christine Benlafquih

Cut across the top of the bunch of cardoon to remove the large leaves and the very thin tops of the stalks. Watch out for prickers on the leaves and stalks.

This bunch of cardoon had already had the leaves removed when we bought it at the souk.

• You'll Need a Paring Knife and Fresh Lemon to Clean the Cardoon
• Remove the Large Leaves
• Trim Small Leaves from the Stalk
• Remove Prickers and the Entire Edge of the Stalk
• Peel Off the Strings
• Pare the Entire Length of the Stalk
• Pare the Flat Side of the Stalk
• Cut the Cardoon Stalk Into Pieces
• Squeeze Lemon Juice on the Pared Cardoon
• Cover and Refrigerate the Cardoon