Jerusalem artichoke is a miracle crop, which is especially appreciated by diabetics! Find out more in it too

Are you tired of classic potatoes? Try Jerusalem artichoke!

In our article, you will learn how it tastes, why it is so popular, how to recognize a quality and fresh crop, and what recipes to add it to.

Once you try it, you won’t put it down again, we guarantee it!

What is Jerusalem artichoke?

This vegetable is a variety of sunflower with a lumpy tuber and skin that can be colored yellow, red or purple depending on the soil it grows in and often resembles ginger root in appearance.

Contrary to what the name suggests (also called Jerusalem artichoke), this vegetable has nothing to do with Jerusalem or the artichoke, but is derived from the Italian word for sunflower, girasole.

Like potatoes, they can be baked, boiled, stewed and fried. However, they will cook faster than potatoes and can be easily overcooked in minutes if you don’t watch them closely.

There are now more than 200 Jerusalem artichoke varieties available. They are used not only in many products as a source of fructose, but also for the production of alcohol.

How does Jerusalem artichoke taste?

Jerusalem artichoke tubers with a whitish or reddish skin have a pleasantly sweet taste and a slightly smoky smell. Unlike potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke can be eaten raw and does not contain any starch. Therefore, it is especially recommended for diabetics, as it contains inulin, which lowers the glycemic index of foods.

Jerusalem artichoke health benefits

Sunflowers store their carbohydrates in the form of starch, which, unlike sugar, the body does not use for energy.

They are recommended as a substitute for potatoes for diabetics because they are filling but not absorbed by the body and help control blood sugar levels. Jerusalem artichoke flour is also recommended for those who are allergic to wheat and other grains.

It has a high fiber content, which improves the activity of the digestive system and supports metabolism.

It also has a positive effect on lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood and has detoxifying and anti-stress effects.

Jerusalem artichoke nutritional values (per 100 g)

What vitamins and minerals does Jerusalem artichoke contain?

• vitamins of group B, A, C
• minerals potassium, magnesium, iron
• some amino acids
• contains inulin (starch), which has very positive effects on overall health

How to choose Jerusalem artichoke?

Choose smooth, clean, unblemished, firm tubers with minimal bumps. Avoid those with wrinkled skin, soft spots, mottled green areas or sprouts.

Handle Jerusalem artichokes with care as they wrinkle easily. Raw sunflowers should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from light.

They can also be stored in the fridge in the vegetable drawer, wrapped in paper towels to absorb moisture and sealed in a plastic bag.

Topinambury, raw sunflowers can be stored for 1 to 3 weeks. Cooked should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days. Canning and freezing are not recommended due to discoloration and deterioration of texture.

How to prepare Jerusalem artichoke?

Artichoke flesh will discolor if exposed to air, so place the peeled vegetable in a bowl of acidified water (cold water with lemon juice or a dash of white wine vinegar) until ready to cook.

Before eating or cooking, scrub the tuber thoroughly with a vegetable brush. The peels are edible.

However, if you must peel them, cut off the smaller bumpy areas and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler.

If you eat them cooked, you will find it easier to first cook them whole and unpeeled, steam or microwave them, and then peel them if necessary.

Jerusalem artichokes can be cooked like potatoes or parsnips and are excellent baked, sautéed, battered and fried, or pureed into a delicious soup.

Tubers can also be eaten raw. In the raw state, they taste like a radish, when cooked they can serve as a side dish, and fans of healthy nutrition sometimes juice the tubers.

Jerusalem artichoke goes well with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, onions and cream.

In which recipes can Jerusalem artichoke be used?

How to store Jerusalem artichoke?

Handle Jerusalem artichokes with care as they wrinkle easily. Raw sunflowers should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from light.

They can also be stored in the fridge in the vegetable drawer, wrapped in paper towels to absorb moisture and sealed in a plastic bag.

Topinambury, raw sunflowers can be stored for 1 to 3 weeks. Cooked should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days. Canning and freezing are not recommended due to discoloration and deterioration of texture.