Clearwater is an extra early variety of sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke) that was developed in Maine. This plant can grow to heights between 6 to 10 feet and produces flowers in mid summer. The tubers are white and relatively smooth, typically measuring between 2 to 4 inches in length, which facilitates easy cleaning and processing. These tubers are also known for their excellent storage qualities, as they resist sprouting well. Additionally, the Clearwater variety yields an average to high number of tubers and exhibits strong tolerance to cold temperatures.
Exceptionally sweet and are completely starch-free. Their distinctive structure makes them more adaptable than potatoes. When raw, they have a nutty and crunchy texture and when fried, they resemble sweet kettle-cooked chips. Caramelized, they are ideal for desserts as they take on a delightful sweetness. When blanched, they develop the texture of slightly undercooked potatoes, which is excellent for subsequent frying. These tubers are also delicious when pureed with milk and butter, roasted, or charred, which brings out a brown sugar flavor. Clearwater Jerusalem artichokes feature tan skin and beautiful creamy-white flesh. They are also known as sunroot, earth apple, sunchoke, and Canadian truffle.
I am excited to have this variety back in my collection. I obtained 3 varieties from Will Bonsall’s largest collection of Sunchokes in the world and this was one of the varieties. The other was Skorospelka. I am still on the lookout for #3 – Whitford. If anyone happens to come across this Sunchoke, please let me know. It might be still sitting on a farm on Gunns Hill Road, outside of Woodstock, Ontario!!
I made a video about Jerusalem artichokes, covering their history, some recipes, and other information. Click the link to watch it!
You can also watch a short about Clearwater sunchokes flowering at my You Tube channel.
These tubers are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals, located in the heart of British Columbia. Featuring Canada’s largest selection of Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes), these offerings are ideal for enhancing food security. The collection includes heirloom and heritage seeds, personally cultivated organically without chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, and non-GMO seeds, this selection is dedicated to preserving biodiversity.
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