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These knobby tuber vegetables are actually quite versatile in
the kitchen. Enjoy them raw in salads or cook just like potatoes—bake,
boil, steam, fry or mash.
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Contrary to what their name implies, Jerusalem artichokes are not
artichokes. Nor are they from Jerusalem. These brown-skinned tubers are
actually a variety of
sunflower (
Helianthus tuberosus) native to North America. Because of their confusing moniker, produce markets have taken to labeling them
sunchokes. They are also sometimes referred to as sunroot, girasole, racine de tournesol and topinambour.
With a knobby appearance similar to
gingerroot, sunchokes have light
brown skins tinged with yellow, red or purple depending on the soil
where they're grown. The inner white flesh is nutty, sweet, crunchy and
comparable to
jicama or
water chestnuts. The versatile vegetable can be
eaten raw in a salad, cooked into a side dish or incorporated into a
wide variety of main courses.
A Little Bite of History
Sir Walter Raleigh found Native Americans cultivating Jerusalem
artichokes in what is now Virginia in 1585. In the early 1600s, Samuel
de Champlain brought them to Europe, where they were known as "Canada"
or "French" potatoes. In France, they are called
topinambour, a term also used to describe an uneducated, uncouth person.
Varieties
Cultivated much more extensively in Europe than North American,
Jerusalem artichokes are available in more than 200 varieties. Farmers
are attempting to smooth out the bumps in newer breeds, so you'll find
some are less knobby than others.
Buying Tips
Jerusalem artichokes are available year-round, but prime season is from
October to March. Select those that are firm, clean and fresh-looking.
Avoid any with soft, dark or moldy spots.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to one week. After that, they'll begin to lose moisture and wither.
Once cooked, refrigerate and use within two days.
Preparation Tips
Before eating or cooking, wash and scrub the tubers thoroughly with a
vegetable brush. The skin is very thin and quite nutritious, so peeling
is not necessary. If peeling is preferred, slice off the smaller bumpy
areas with a knife, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. If
you will be eating them cooked, you'll find it much easier to boil,
steam or microwave them whole and peel once done.
Cooking and Usage Tips
• Jerusalem artichokes can be cooked like
potatoes—bake, boil, steam, fry or stew.
• Avoid using aluminum or iron pans—these metals will cause oxidation, turning the vegetable dark.
• Keep a close when cooking, as they easily turn to mush. Remove from heat as you can easily pierce them with a fork.
• Use instead of potatoes in potato pancake recipes.
• Employ mashed chokes as a thickener for soups and stews.
• Add to raw salads for sweet, crunchy texture.
• Dip sliced, raw pieces in
acidulated water to keep the flesh from turning dark.
Substitution Tips
Jerusalem artichokes are interchangeable with
turnips or
parsnips in many recipes.
Nutrition Notes
Sunchokes are a good source of
iron,
potassium and
thiamin. Because they store their
carbohydrates in a form of inulin (a starch not utilized by the body for energy) they are often recommended as a
potato substitute for diabetics.
