(Helianthus tuberosus) aka Jerusalem Artichokes

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We commonly refer to these as Sunchokes because it is easier than saying or spelling Jerusalem Artichokes. Interestingly they did not derive natively from Jerusalem nor are they artichokes. Naming aside, this is plant we cultivate on Scuttlebutt Farm. Here are the top three reason why.

1. It is easy to grow. Practically grows itself some would say it is harder to stop growing than to start.
2. Look at it. Blooms start in July or August in our area and remain through September
3. It produces food. From the scientific name Helianthus is the sunflower family, and tuberosus means it produces tubers. Like a potato, tubers are part of the root of the plant and also the way the plant spreads to create new plants.

Let’s talk about these tubers. A single stalk of Sunchoke can produce up to a pound of tubers or more. When cleaned they can be cooked like any potato. Personally I am a fan of mashing them, but they are also great sliced and fried or roasted.

Notes for discussion:

• Unlike Potatoes, Sunchokes have a different type of starch or carbohydrate, it is called Inulin.

Reference Citation “We concluded that inulin supplementation can significantly improve fasting plasma glucose” See https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7263925/

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