What is jerusalem artichoke ?
Jerusalem artichoke is a plant species of the genus Helianthus which is grown as a perennial.
The English name Jerusalem artichoke falsely suggests a connection with Palestine / Israel and is probably a corruption of the Italian girasole articiocco (sunflower artichoke). Originally Jerusalem artichoke grows in North America. He was first described by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1605, who found him in the Huron Indians. Since then, the tuber is especially very popular in France.
Grow
He is both grown in the ornamental garden and in the vegetable garden and in the Dutch climate tends to increase strongly. The tubers not otherwise survive repeatedly mowing.
There are several varieties of this plant, which may include differences in height of about 1.5 m to 3.5 m.
As the name suggests, Jerusalem artichokes are the underground parts (tubers) is used. These roots contain fructans, biotin, calcium, iron, sodium and inulin, which are not only individuals with diabetes mellitus is beneficial. It is also known that the roots do not store nitrates.
In Northwest Europe, this plant will only be adorned in very beautiful summers with yellow flowers. A corner of 2 m² can muster in a year 10 kg edible tubers. Harvesting of the tubers can be done after the first night frost and can then during the whole winter.
Use
The tuber has no shell and can be raw, such as salad, eaten. The flavor of the tuber is slightly sweet, nutty and has something of an artichoke. The white or pink nodules discolor the air quickly to brown. He cooked like mealy boiling potatoes, but tastes less intense.
The high content of triple sugars which can not be included in the human gut, it stimulates the breakdown by bacteria. Eating artichoke can therefore lead to flatulence.
Once out of the ground to dry out quickly, and the tubers are therefore in the refrigerator for more than a few days.