[header] How to steam artichokes [title] Choose good artichokes. [step] A fresh artichoke will be quite heavy and deep green. [substeps] The artichoke should also have tight leaves that make a squeaking sound when squeezed together. 
The leaves should not look dry or split apart. Smaller artichokes tend to be more tender, but large artichokes have larger hearts, and the hearts are generally the sweetest, most flavorful part of the vegetable.