Rinse the artichokes under cold water
Trim the stem so the artichokes can sit flat
Cut off the top inch of the artichoke
Snip the sharp tips of the outer leaves if desired
Rub cut surfaces with lemon to prevent browning
Fill a pot with 1 to 2 inches of water
Add a steamer basket above the water
Place the artichokes in the basket stem-side down
Cover the pot with a lid
Bring the water to a boil
Reduce to a steady simmer
Steam until the leaves pull off easily and the base is tender
Check for doneness with a knife in the stem or base
Remove the artichokes and let them cool slightly before serving