Jerusalem Artichoke / Sunchoke

Name: Jerusalem artichoke, also called sunchoke or sunroot (Helianthus tuberosus) — a knobbly, light brown tuber of a tall sunflower-like plant, with crisp, white, nutty, sweet flesh. It is neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke.

Description

The plant is native to North America, and was cultivated by Native Americans, and was brought to Europe in the early 17th century by explorers. The name probably comes from the Italian girasole, meaning sunflower, which was corrupted to “Jerusalem,” and the artichoke taste of its flavour. The name sunchoke was invented in the 1960s for marketing purposes.

Unlike most root vegetables, it stores its carbohydrate as inulin rather than starch, so it is low in digestible sugars, but it also means it can cause a lot of gas. The old nickname “fartichoke” reflects this.

Main nutrition value

Jerusalem artichokes are an excellent source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre, and provide iron, potassium, thiamin and phosphorus, with fewer digestible carbohydrates than potatoes.

How best to be consumed

Jerusalem artichokes are eaten raw and cooked, and are best introduced slowly.

1. Scrub well (peeling is optional), and slice raw into salads for a crisp, nutty crunch.
2. Roast with olive oil and thyme, or boil and mash, or puree into creamy soups.
3. Pair with garlic, cream, bacon, lemon and thyme.
4. Cook slowly or ferment, which breaks down some of the inulin and reduces gas.
5. Start with small portions.

Overconsumption could cause…

Jerusalem artichokes are healthy, but notorious for gas.

1. Gas, bloating, cramps and loose stools from the inulin, particularly in people with IBS and in larger servings.
2. Allergic reactions in people allergic to daisy-family plants such as sunflower and ragweed.
3. Discolouration and a bitter taste if overcooked or stored too long.
4. Added cream and butter in rich soups and gratins.

GroupsRoot VegetablesDaisy family (Asteraceae)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsBurdock RootLotus RootGingerArrowrootPotatoSweet Potato

Wikipedia — Jerusalem artichoke, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke