There’s nothing quite like nobbly vegetables on your plate to give you a sense of satisfaction, and the Jerusalem artichoke is one such fella.
A secret truth: although the taste is similar to the globe artichoke as noted by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1605, Jerusalem artichokes are not related, and aren’t even native to Jerusalem but the USA. So, what are they?
The flower this tuber bears looks like a sunflower (Italian: girasole) which is the common suggestion for how it received its name. New alternative names that are catching on today include sunroot or sunchoke.
Similar to ginger root in appearance, there are different varieties available with a skin colour ranging from white, red, pale brown and even purple!
Easy to grow, it requires digging and replanting to keep the flavoursome quality. You can plant them between February through to April and they are ready for your plate now!
Cooks beware in the kitchen and avoid serving in large quantities: the Jerusalem artichoke also goes by an underground name of “fartichoke”, due to the inulin (a carbohydrate great for the intestines with its prebiotic properties).
Jerusalem artichokes are great alternative to potatoes, particularly if you are dieting, as they have a high source of vitamin C, potassium, iron and phosphorus. But unlike potatoes, you can even eat them raw in salads. The flavour is that of a water chestnut with a delicate, nutty taste.
To prepare in the kitchen, treat Jerusalem artichokes like any root vegetable, leaving its nutritional skin on or peeling it off. Mashed, boiled, steamed, stir fried, they can be served as a side dish or as a dish in its own right. If you’re not so keen on the taste unaccompanied then try complementing the flavour with beetroot, mushrooms, thyme, spinach, carrot and nuts (such as hazelnuts or walnuts). The jorg&olif team feel they are best served up as a winter soup – cooked slowly for maximum taste!
Jerusalem artichokes are inexpensive and easy to eat in season, simply visit a Slow Food stall at your local farmer’s market or sign up for an organic veggie box delivery scheme.
Photo 1: net efkt
Photo 2: Laurel Fan
