Flour in artichoke cooking water?

[pikawicca]

The February edition of Gourmet has a basic recipe for cooking artichokes in which they add a little flour to the cooking water. Has anyone ever done this? What is the point?

[chez cherie]

i believe it is to help them not discolor. the lemon juice mentioned above should do the trick, too.

[Candy]

I've seen it in some old recipes, I never bothered, my mother added lemon juice to the water and anymore I just wrap them well and nuke. They steam in their own juices and are sweeter and nuttier.

[chowfamily]

That's a great idea. Could you let us know your preparation and approximate time? Thanks!

[Candy]

Stem and trim your artichokes. Rinse, drain and rub a bit of lemon on the cut edges, Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and depending on size or course, it takes 6-7 minutes to cook two at the same time. The Plastic wrap will blow up like a big bubble and then collapse on itself. You want to wrap them so that the ends of the wrap are on the bottom of the artichoke.

[chowfamily]

Thanks for your advice - it sounds like a great alternative to soggy artichokes!