Rinse the artichoke under cold water
Trim the stem if needed
Cut off the top inch of the artichoke
Snip the sharp tips of the outer leaves
Rub cut surfaces with lemon
Fill a large pot with 1 to 2 inches of water
Add a steamer basket if available
Place the artichoke in the pot stem-side down
Cover the pot with a lid
Bring the water to a boil
Reduce to a simmer
Steam for 25 to 45 minutes
Check doneness by pulling a leaf; it should come off easily
Check the base with a knife; it should be tender
Remove the artichoke from the pot
Let it cool slightly before serving
Serve with melted butter, lemon, or dipping sauce