The Jerusalem artichoke, also known as a Sunchoke, is not an artichoke. It is the tuber of a species of sunflower native to the United States. Etymologically speaking, the name really has nothing to do with the tuber itself, but a creation of a corruption of names, leading to the name Jerusalem artichoke.
Jerusalem Artichokes are in season and this is why you should eat them:
- They are delicious!
- They have multiple digestive health benefits
- High in Potassium, Thiamine, and Iron
- Good source of Vitamin C and Niacin
- Is diabetic-friendly and can be used in place of white potatoes
The Jerusalem artichoke has a reputation of causing intestinal upset and flatulence, caused by inuline, the carbohydrate found in this tuber, which varies depending on the size and number of shoots growing off of it. Not only is inuline a prebiotic, promoting the growth and proliferation of probiotics in your colon, Inuline is a diabetic-friendly carbohydrate. Each of us have a different sensitivity to inuline; if you have never eaten them before, try them in a small portion. One way to reduce your risk of "major gas" is to not eat them raw or to boil them.
How to eat them?
No need to peel, but wash and scrub skin prior to eating/cooking.
Raw or cooked, but less flatulence cooked
Pickled
Raw, shaved thin in a salad
Roasted, chopped like you would potatoes
Boiled for a mash
They are delicious and creamy when cooked, and like a water chestnut when raw. Try these recipes:
Thank you for reading my blog!
xo, Dawn