The edible buds of the thistle plant, fresh artichokes actually squeak when you squeeze them. Some brown spots on outer leaves indicate frosting which does not affect quality. Cut away the top, snip off prickly tips of outer leaves and carve out the fuzzy chokes before soaking in acidulated water. Cook stuffed or unstuffed by steaming or braising. Enjoy the tasty flesh clinging to each leaf by pulling them through your teeth.