Jerusalem Artichokes

Indigenous to North America, the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is neither from Jerusalem, nor is it an artichoke. In fact, when in bloom, it has beautiful yellow flowers (undoubtedly because it is part of the sunflower family), and the root is aesthetically reminiscent of ginger and other earthy vegetables (i.e. potatoes, radishes, etc.).

Jerusalem Artichoke Facts

Its name is thought to be a warped derivation from the Italian “Griasole Articiocco,” which literally translated means sunflower artichoke. Other names that grace this vegetable are sunchoke, earth apple, sunroot, and topinambour (which is also the namesake of a spirit made in Germany using a high percentage of the Jerusalem artichoke root to make a spirit). Its texture is like that of a potato—a bit rough and coarse, although, like a potato, has a variety that consists of a smoother skin—and inside it is off-white and physically resembles a radish or water chestnut. This perennial is usually available at grocery markets (definitely health food grocery stores, increasingly but not as often in mainstream grocery stores) from about the end of summer to the end of winter (early March), and is a delightful addition to an array of meals. Some claim it as peculiar in that it grows underground as other tubers, but is also a species of sunflower. As a result of its underground stems, called rhizomes, the Jerusalem artichoke can spread easily (likened to a weed by some farmers because it chokes out some other crops, such as soybeans and corn). Its tenacity has allowed it to survive for generations, speculated back to the early 1600s.

Using Jerusalem Artichoke For Insulin Production

The Jerusalem artichoke is a fantastic vegetable for those with a sweet tooth. It contains inulin (fantastic when occurring naturally in vegetables— sometimes causing digestive problems because it does not break down in the small intestine, especially when manipulated and used in processed foods). It is a complex carbohydrate and falls into the oligosaccharides category of carbohydrates. It digests in the large intestine of the digestive tract and acts as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good flora in our guts. This also makes it an ideal vegetable for diabetics—not only because it is sweet, but inulin naturally stimulates the production of insulin. The Jerusalem artichoke is also great for lung ailments, such as asthma and mild bronchial issues.

Jerusalem Artichoke Health Benefits

This fantastic vegetable also has a high potassium and low sodium count. Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle functions. The need for potassium is especially important because in traditional North American diets, a greater amount of sodium is consumed to potassium, and this can lead to strained kidneys and hypertension. Potassium is vital for displacing excess sodium and rebalancing the natural state of our cells. In our society of overly-consumed, excessively preserved “food” items, this makes vegetables like the Jerusalem artichoke indispensable to our well-being.

This vegetable is also great for constipation because it is high in fibre and water. As a bonus nutrient, it has a respectable amount of iron (28% of daily requirement).

How To Use Jerusalem Artichoke

This crunchy, sweet vegetable seems to be a hybrid of many other root vegetables in flavour and appearance, and it is its unique texture and versatility makes it simple to incorporate into a variety of meals. A few ways it can be consumed are:

1.Grated or sliced onto salads

2.Sliced or diced and added to stir fry

3.Boiled and mashed with garlic and spices of choice

4.Peeled and snacked on raw

5.Sliced or diced and added to soups

It is so easy to use and prepare the Jerusalem artichoke that its simplicity makes it accessible for novice and expert cooks alike. 

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Sources:

Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs website:

(http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/94-007.htm)

Elson M. Haas, MD. Staying Healthy with Nutrition: 21st Century Edition.

Paul Pitchford. Healing with Whole Foods: 3rd Edition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke

Livestrong.com site: 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/328710-nutritional-value-of-jerusalem-artichokes/