What is Jerusalem Artichoke? – 7 Important Facts About the Healthy Root Vegetable

Although Jerusalem artichoke has been around in Europe since the early 17th century, many people don’t know what it actually is. Completely wrongly, this versatile plant leads a shadowy existence in our gardens and kitchens. We introduce you to the great tuber.

Jerusalem artichoke – what it is and what it is used for

The name Jerusalem artichoke not only sounds exotic but is also completely unknown to many people. This robust plant is now cultivated almost worldwide. And it is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. We have put together 7 interesting facts about Jerusalem artichokes for you.

1. Jerusalem artichoke is native to North and Central America. From there he was sent back to his old homeland by French immigrants. The tuber was first cultivated in France as a foodstuff. Jerusalem artichoke was later replaced by potatoes.
2. The name Jerusalem artichoke derives from the Brazilian tribe of the Tupinambá. Although the plant was completely unknown in Brazil at the time it was named, the tribal name served as inspiration.
3. Coincidentally, the people’s representative of this tribe was a guest at the baptism of the plant in France.
   The Jerusalem artichoke is related to the much better-known sunflower. Similar to these, the Jerusalem artichoke also forms bright yellow flowers. However, these are significantly smaller than those of the sunflower. They are a popular food source for bees and other insects.
4. Jerusalem artichoke tuber is used in the kitchen. This tastes slightly sweet and can be used in a similar way to the potato. Unlike the potato, Jerusalem artichoke tastes slightly sweet and nutty. The tuber can be used raw or cooked, peeled or unpeeled.
5. Unlike the potato, Jerusalem artichoke does not contain any starch. But the tuber contains the polysaccharide inulin. This does not affect the blood sugar level. Jerusalem artichoke is therefore also considered to be well suited for diabetics.
6. The great tuber can be easily cultivated in the home garden or even in a bucket. However, Jerusalem artichoke tends to proliferate and should get a root barrier. Otherwise, the extremely robust and less susceptible plants will soon appear everywhere in the garden.
7. There are now Jerusalem artichokes in many different varieties. These include plants with particularly magnificent flowers, which are mainly used as ornamental plants. The color of the tubers ranges from yellow to orange to pink and red.
8. In Germany, Jerusalem artichoke is grown primarily for the production of alcohol. Brandy is made from it, especially in southern Germany. This is mainly sold under the name Barbel, Topi, or Rossler. Another specialty is the Roter Rossler, which is prepared with Jerusalem artichoke and tormentil.