Jerusalem Artichokes Uncovered: An Introduction to Sunroots

Nestled in the diverse world of gardening, a unique and intriguing plant awaits the curious gardener’s discovery – the Jerusalem Artichoke. Despite its name, this plant is neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke. Known scientifically as Helianthus tuberosus and commonly referred to as sunroot, sunchoke, or earth apple, this member of the sunflower family is a true North American native.

As you wander through your garden, envision a plant that towers up to 9 – 14 feet tall, adorned with yellow flowers and bearing an uncanny resemblance to its sunflower cousins. Its real treasure lies underground in the form of knobby, ginger-root-like tubers, offering a crisp, crunchy texture when raw.

The Jerusalem Artichoke’s story is as rich and layered as its soil-dwelling tubers. Indigenous peoples of North America first recognized its value, cultivating it as a vital food source. European explorers, enamored by its utility and taste, brought it back to their homeland, where it flourished in popularity.

For the culinary adventurers among us, Jerusalem Artichokes offer a playground of possibilities. Chefs and home cooks alike cherish this tuber for its versatility in both savory and sweet concoctions. From velvety purees and savory tarts to being the secret ingredient in brandy across Europe, the Jerusalem Artichoke is a testament to culinary creativity. Its slightly sweet, nutty flavor, reminiscent of its namesake, the artichoke, adds a unique twist to any dish.

But it’s not just about taste. For those mindful of health, Jerusalem Artichokes are a boon. Rich in inulin, a carbohydrate kinder to blood sugar levels than starch, they are an excellent choice for people managing diabetes. This wonder tuber balances indulgence with health, proving that nature’s gifts often come with multiple benefits.

The Jerusalem Artichoke’s Journey Through History and Culture

Looking back into the history of the Jerusalem Artichoke, we uncover a narrative steeped in cultural exchanges and agricultural innovation. Native Americans or Tartarians might have the first to cultivate this plant, recognizing its value as a hardy, reliable food source. Russian has a rare variety and there are many different coloured tubers and shapes and sizes that show us we do not really know where these roots first appeared.

In the kaleidoscope of names it’s known by, “Jerusalem Artichoke” is perhaps the most misleading. The name is a phonetic corruption of ‘girasole,’ the Italian word for sunflower. This reflects not only the plant’s appearance but also the journey of its name across cultures and languages. It is said that during the translation, the actually name for these tubers was confused and now we are left with a name that does not match the tuber.

Culinary Delights

The versatility of Jerusalem Artichokes in culinary arts cannot be overstated. Their flavour, which is nutty, earthy and on occasion, mildly sweet., lends itself to a variety of dishes. Imagine starting your day with a plate of crispy, sweet Jerusalem Artichoke home-fries, or indulging in a creamy soup that carries a hint of vanilla. Not to much at first though! One must be careful to consume only small amounts when beginning to consume this tuber until the digestive system can get used to the fibers these roots contain. after awhile this precaution can be “thrown to the wind”!!

Jerusalem Artichokes can be a simple, nutritious addition to everyday meals. Their sweet, nutty, earthy flavour enhances the taste of roasted vegetables, adds a crunchy element to salads, and can even be enjoyed raw. Try some fried with butternut squash and spices for a real treat!

A Tuber for Wellbeing

Jerusalem Artichokes are more than just a delicious ingredient; they are a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in inulin, they are an excellent option for those managing blood sugar levels, including diabetics. Inulin acts as a prebiotic, promoting gut health and aiding digestion. These tubers are low in calories yet high in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a worthy addition to any health-conscious diet.

Gardening with Jerusalem Artichokes

The cultivation of Jerusalem Artichokes is a dream for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike! They are remarkably resilient, thriving in a range of soil conditions and climates. As a low-maintenance crop, they require minimal care, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those new to the hobby.

Planting Jerusalem Artichokes is straightforward. Prepare the soil and amend well with compost or manure, plant to a depth of 5 or 6 inches and leave at least a foot or two between plants. These tubers prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and they are not picky about soil, yet do better with some nutritional boosting. Given their hardy nature, they resist pests and diseases, making them a robust choice for organic gardening. Some accounts say they are drought resistant and some say they like to be watered. Either way, you will have a harvest at the end of the season, no matter how you treat them!

The plants can grow quite large, so they need space to spread. They also reseed themselves, providing an endless supply once established. Thus, it is a good practice to dig up all the tubers in each hill and replant the best one. Gardeners should be aware of the tendency for some varieties spread aggressively. By digging them all up carefully, you will stop the spreading. And yet, as we move deeper into the Grand Solar Minimum, having food spread that is delicious and nutritious will be a good thing! Proper management is key to ensuring they don’t overtake other plants in your garden, as you can always dig up plants you do not want when you see them.

Harvesting Your Crop and How to Store

When autumn arrives, and the leaves of the Jerusalem Artichoke plants have died back, it’s time to harvest. Wait until 2 weeks after a good frost for best flavour. Gently unearth the tubers and experience the joy of harvesting your own produce. These tubers store well, but only if placed into soil or damp peat moss which will maintain their quality when stored in a cool, dry place. These tubers are an important staple that can be enjoyed throughout the winter. You may also leave a few plants in the ground and did them as needed during the winter ( place hay or straw on top of hills), or dig up in the spring. The are so sweet and crunch when store in this manner!

From the Sunchokes rich history and diverse culinary applications to its numerous health benefits and ease of cultivation, the Jerusalem Artichoke is indeed a hidden gem in the world of gardening and cuisine. Add the fact it is an important staple crop in food security and you see it is important to have a variety or two in your garden.

The Corlis Bolton Haynes Jerusalem Artichoke, offered by Garden Faerie Botanicals is a unique variety that stands out for its historical and botanical significance. This heirloom tuber variety is prized for its culinary qualities and was grown by the Haynes family in Ontario for over a century. This variety is known for its sweet and nutty flavour and smooth tubers that resembling small to medium potatoes, making them versatile for cooking. They are particularly suitable for roasting, eating raw, or even pickling. Known for its robust growth and flavorful tubers, the Corlis Bolton Haynes variety is a testament to the rich Canadian heritage of heirloom gardening and food secure agricultural practices. It represents a connection to the past, offering gardeners a chance to grow a piece of history in their own gardens.

Another variety offered by Garden Faerie Botanicals is the rare Russian “Nakhodka” Jerusalem Artichoke. It is known for its elongated tubers and tall stature, reaching up to 14 feet, making it suitable as a privacy fence in gardens. This late-maturing variety is notable for its adaptability and robust set of tubers.

For anyone who is looking for an easy crop to grow the Jerusalem Artichoke tuber is the way to go. You know you will always have some food to eat and it is easy to multiply if times get tough.