How to Clean Cardoon - Preparing Cardoon for Use in Recipes

Pare the Entire Length of the Stalk

Remove as many strings as possible from the ribbed sides of the stalk.

Photo © Christine Benlafquih

Continue paring the entire length of the stalk, removing the strings from all the ribbed sides. Here you can see how long the strings are.

It's OK to have some silver color remaining on the stalk, but try to remove as many strings as possible so that the stalk takes on a fresh, green appearance.

• 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