Artichokes are a culinary treasure known for their rich flavor and nutritional value. Whether you’re using them in pasta, salads, dips, or gourmet dishes, artichoke hearts are a staple ingredient in many kitchens. But when they come out of a can, one of the most common questions is:
How many artichoke hearts are in a can? This seemingly simple question touches on several factors including can size, packing method, brand variations, and culinary needs.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about artichoke hearts in cans—from standard counts and sizes to brand comparisons, nutritional insights, cooking tips, and how to substitute or scale recipes correctly.
Understanding Artichoke Hearts: What Are You Paying For in a Can?
Before we get to the numbers, it’s essential to understand what exactly makes up a can of artichoke hearts. Artichoke hearts come from the center of mature globe artichokes, which are vegetable buds from the thistle family. Once the petals are removed and the fuzzy choke is scraped out, you’re left with the tender, meaty heart—prized for its mild, nutty flavor.
The canned versions are typically pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed, and preserved in brine, water, or oil (often olive oil for gourmet options). The canning process makes them shelf-stable and convenient while maintaining a texture and taste that’s quite close to fresh ones when properly stored and drained.
Standard Can Sizes and Artichoke Heart Counts
The number of artichoke hearts in a can depends primarily on the size of the container and the brand. Here’s a general overview:
Common Canned Artichoke Sizes:
| Can Size (Net Weight) | Average Artichoke Heart Count | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 oz (192g) | 4–6 small hearts | Mini pizza toppings, snacking |
| 8.5 oz (250g) | 3–5 medium hearts | Dips, salads, side dishes |
| 14 oz (397g) | 5–8 hearts | Lasagna, seafood dishes, appetizers |
| 29 oz (822g) | 12–18 hearts | Meal prep, bulk cooking, catering |
Note that “net weight” refers to the actual edible content of the can, excluding the brine or liquid. Many cans list both the “drained weight” and “total weight.” Drained weight is crucial for accurate recipe planning.
What Affects the Number of Artichoke Hearts in a Can?
Several variables influence how many artichoke hearts you’ll get in a given can:
- Heart Size: Canned hearts are usually categorized as whole, quartered, halved, or jumbo depending on how they’re cut.
- Packaging Method: Hearts packed in oil may be compressed, leading to a lower heart count, while those packed in water might settle more loosely.
- Brand Differences: Not all brands pack the same amount, even with identical can sizes.
Artichoke Heart Count by Brand
Different manufacturers approach their packaging strategies differently, which affects heart density in the can. Below is a brand-by-brand comparison to give you a better idea:
Leading Brands and Their Heart Counts
| Brand | Can Size | Artichoke Heart Count | Packaging Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martino | 14 oz | 8 hearts | Brine |
| DeLallo | 9.5 oz | 6 jumbo hearts | Oil |
| Native Forest | 14 oz | 6–7 hearts | Brine |
| Blue Dragon | 7.5 oz | 4–5 hearts | Brine |
| Mezzetta | 15 oz | 8–10 hearts | Brine |
This shows that brand selection significantly impacts heart count per ounce, and when planning meals or bulk prep, it’s important to know which brand you’re working with.
Drained Versus Total Weight: What Really Matters
When using canned artichoke hearts for cooking, especially in precise quantities for baking or protein-centric dishes, it’s important to distinguish between:
Drained Weight vs Total Weight:
- Total Weight: The full weight of the can, including all brine or liquid.
- Drained Weight: The net weight of just the edible hearts after liquid has been removed.
For example, a 14-ounce can of artichokes might only offer 9–10 ounces of drained hearts. That’s a 30% difference! So if a recipe calls for a pound of artichoke hearts, you might actually need two full 14-oz cans (or one large 29-oz can drained).
How to Easily Measure Canned Artichoke Hearts
Chefs and serious cooks should consider weighing the drained hearts using a kitchen scale for more consistency. However, for basic home use:
- 1 standard heart ≈ 1 ounce (drained weight)
- Jumbo hearts may be over 1.5 oz each
- Small hearts might be closer to 0.7 oz per unit
- A standard 14-ounce can (with ~7 hearts) could serve two pasta dishes or prepare one hearty dip.
- When doubling quantities, don’t double the can size—instead, consider the drained heart weight or number needed and adjust accordingly.
- Reduces Sodium Content: Brined artichokes can carry a lot of salt, sometimes over 300 mg per ounce.
- Improves Texture: Removing excess liquid helps the hearts absorb spices or sauces more readily.
- Enhances Visual Presentation: Oily or overly watery textures may not suit delicate dishes like salads or gratins.
- Drain the can using a mesh strainer or colander.
- Rinse briefly under cool water to remove excess brine or oil.
- Dry with a paper towel if you’re going to cook them in a hot pan or oven to prevent steaming.
- Read the Label: Always check net weight and heart count per can. Compare brands for better value.
- Choose Based on Preparation: If you plan to stuff or fry them, whole hearts are best. For salads, quartered or sliced may be better.
- Inspect for Quality: Avoid cans with heavy dents, leaks, or those past their “best by” date.
- Store Opened Cans: After opening, store remaining hearts in a sealed container with their brine in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Consider Glass Jars: Some brands offer artichokes in glass jars, which offer easier portioning and longer freshness once opened.
- Calories: 25–30
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 250–500 mg (varies by brand and brine strength)
Substitutions and Adjustments: When Fresh or Frozen Artichokes Make Sense
Canned artichoke hearts are convenient, but sometimes you may need to adjust recipes due to lifestyle preferences, gourmet goals, or availability. Here’s how fresh or frozen compares:
Comparing Fresh, Frozen, and Canned Artichoke Hearts
| Type | Equivalent Weight to Canned | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Artichokes | 1 large fresh artichoke = 1–2 canned hearts | Better flavor, no brine | Labor-intensive, seasonal |
| Frozen Hearts | 10–12 oz frozen = 14 oz canned | No waste, good texture | Slightly higher price, needs thawing |
| Canned Hearts | N/A – standard for quick prep | Fast to use, pantry-friendly | Can be salty, soft texture |
Note that working with fresh hearts doubles your prep time, as each large fresh globe artichoke must be trimmed, steamed, and the choke carefully removed to yield the heart.
Calculating Servings: Artichoke Hearts for One, for Two, or for Dinner Parties
Artichoke heart quantity matters depending on your use case. Let’s break down how many hearts you’ll likely need for different types of servings.
Common Serving Sizes Based on Artichoke Heart Use
| Type of Dish | Artichoke Hearts Needed (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Salad or Side | 1–2 hearts |
| Dip (Artichoke Spinach or Cheese) | 3–5 hearts per batch for 4+ servings |
| Pasta (Alfredo, Primavera) | 2–3 hearts per serving |
| Appetizer (Fried, Baked) | 1 heart per person when served whole |
That means, if you’re cooking for four people:
The Importance of Draining and Rinsing Canned Artichokes
Canned artichoke hearts are often preserved in brine, water, or oil. The liquid significantly affects both flavor and recipe outcomes.
Key Benefits of Draining and Rinsing Your Artichokes
To rinse safely:
Top 5 Tips for Buying and Storing Artichoke Hearts
Whether you’re meal prepping, stocking up, or buying artichokes for one-time use, follow these expert tips:
Why the Heart Count Matters for Diet and Nutrition
For health-conscious cooks, knowing how many artichoke hearts come in a can can help you manage calories, sodium, and dietary goals.
Nutrient Profile of a Typical Artichoke Heart
One average canned artichoke heart (drained) has approximately:
Canned artichokes are naturally low in fat, high in antioxidants, and contain vitamins K and C, making them a great option for a variety of diets, including keto, vegan, and Mediterranean plans.
Managing Sodium Sensitivity
If you have dietary restrictions like high blood pressure, look for low-sodium or salt-free canned versions. Brands like Native Forest offer low-sodium options, and rinsing can reduce sodium levels by up to 30%.
Conclusion: Artichoke Portions—It All Adds Up
When planning recipes or managing food budgets, knowing the number of artichoke hearts in a can isn’t a minor detail—it’s a crucial ingredient in successful cooking. Factors like can size, brand, pack style, and even preparation all influence how many artichokes you have to work with and how they’ll perform in your dishes.
From a standard 14-ounce can yielding 5 to 8 hearts, to jumbo hearts in gourmet 9.5-ounce oil-packed cans, smart choices will help elevate your cooking every time. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently scale recipes, compare brands, manage dietary goals, and impress guests with well-planned, flavorful dishes—whether it’s a creamy artichoke dip or a gourmet seafood entrée.
So the next time someone asks, “How many artichoke hearts are in a can?” you’ll have a detailed answer—and the wisdom to know how to use them well.
How many artichoke hearts are typically found in a standard can?
A standard 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts usually contains around 6 to 8 whole artichoke hearts, though this can vary depending on the brand and the size of the artichokes used. Larger artichoke hearts may yield fewer per can, while smaller ones may increase the count. Canned artichoke hearts are often packed in water, salt, and sometimes citric acid to preserve their flavor and texture.
It’s important to check the label on the can for specific information, as some brands offer packed varieties with more or fewer hearts, or may even sell quartered or halved pieces which would increase the number of servings per container. For the most accurate portion count, manufacturers typically include the number of artichoke hearts and serving size on the packaging.
What factors affect the number of artichoke hearts in a can?
The number of artichoke hearts in a can is influenced by a few key factors, primarily the size of the individual artichokes and the weight of the can. Larger artichokes take up more space, resulting in fewer hearts per can, while smaller, more compact hearts can increase the total count. Additionally, the packing liquid and any added seasonings contribute to the overall weight and may impact the volume of artichoke flesh present.
Other considerations include the brand and processing methods. Some companies may prioritize larger, whole hearts for premium products, while others might cut or halve the hearts to fit more pieces into a can. The canning process can also influence how tightly the hearts are packed, further affecting the number included per container.
How many ounces does one artichoke heart weigh on average?
On average, a single canned artichoke heart weighs approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces in drained weight. This measurement can vary depending on how the heart is prepared—whole hearts may weigh a bit more than halved or quartered alternatives. Since water weight and preparation methods differ from one brand to another, the exact ounce count can fluctuate slightly.
Drained weight is an important detail to note when determining the net weight of the actual artichoke hearts in a can. The label on most cans will specify both the total weight and the drained weight, allowing consumers to make informed cooking or portion decisions. If you are following a recipe that specifies a number of hearts, refer to this drained weight for the best results.
How many artichoke hearts should I use per serving?
For a typical serving size, most recipes call for 2 to 3 artichoke hearts per person, depending on the dish and whether it’s a main course or a side. Appetizers like baked stuffed artichokes or dips might use halved hearts, while salads might use smaller sliced portions to spread flavor more evenly. It’s always helpful to consider the meal’s balance and the artichoke’s rich, nutty flavor when determining portions.
Additionally, nutritional guidelines typically recommend a serving size of around 3.5 ounces (about 100 grams) of drained artichoke hearts, which roughly translates to 2 medium-sized hearts. Adjust the quantity based on how prominent you wish artichokes to be in your dish and personal or guest preferences.
Are canned artichoke hearts whole, or are they usually chopped?
Canned artichoke hearts are commonly sold as whole, intact hearts, especially in higher quality options. However, there are also cans that include chopped or quartered artichoke hearts to suit different culinary applications such as sauces, lasagnas, or stuffings. The style you choose will depend on the recipe and how you intend to present or use the artichokes.
Whole hearts are often preferred for appetizers, roasting, or serving in salads, where texture and appearance are important. Chopped artichoke hearts can be beneficial when looking to easily incorporate into pastas, omelets, or dips, making them a versatile option for cooks seeking time-saving solutions.
How do canned artichoke hearts compare to fresh in terms of yield?
Fresh artichokes require preparation to extract the hearts, and you typically lose around half of the weight in the process. About 2 to 3 fresh artichokes are needed to yield the same amount of edible heart as one medium can of artichoke hearts. When you factor in the inedible leaves and fuzzy choke, the net result is far less than the original weight of the raw artichokes.
Canned artichoke hearts are already cleaned and trimmed, offering a clean, ready-to-use product that saves time. While some cooks favor the flavor of freshly prepared hearts, canned options provide a consistent and convenient alternative that delivers a reliable portion with minimal effort and waste.
How can I store leftover canned artichoke hearts?
After opening a can of artichoke hearts, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. If the hearts come packed in liquid, you can keep them submerged in that liquid or transfer them into a container with a little bit of water or olive oil to keep them moist and flavorful. Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent any cross-contamination from other fridge odors.
For extended storage, you can freeze the drained and dried artichoke hearts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to six months. Though freezing may slightly affect the texture, making them softer, it preserves the flavor well. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the hearts in the refrigerator overnight and incorporate them into cooked dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles for best results.