Jerusalem Artichoke

(Helianthus tuberosus)

Other Names:
Sunflower artichoke

Range:


Family:
Asteraceae – Aster family

Growth Type:
An herbaceous perennial

Height:
Up to 5 - 10 feet tall.

Leaves:
Broad rough leaves. The upper leaves grow alternate, while the lower leaves often grow opposite. Leaves occasionally grow in whorls of three. Leaves can be up to 10 inches long. The leaves often have a distinct chocolate smell.

Stem/Trunk:
Rough hairy stems

Root:
Large, crisp tubers, (often as large as a medium sized potato) terminate slender runners that radiate from the base of each plant.

Flower Season:
August - October.

Flower Appearance:
Looks like a smaller sunflower, 2 - 4 inches in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets. The central disk of flowers is yellow. The flowers often have a distinct chocolate smell.

Seed/Fruit:
N/A

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
Waste ground, damp thickets, fields

Parts Used:
Tuber

Culinary Uses:
One of the best wild food sources. The tuber can be used as a potato substitute, in salads, or can be pickled. The fresh tubers can be substituted in recipes that call for potatoes. The tubers are very high in vitamins A and B-complex. They are also high in potassium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. 1 cup of Jerusalem Artichoke root contains 650 mg of potassium. They are also an excellent source of fiber. Rather than starch, the roots store the carbohydrate inulin. It is because of this that, along with Burdock, Jerusalem artichoke is an excellent food source for diabetics.

Locating the plant in winter, when the flowers have long since dried up, and the leaves are gone, can be challenging.

I should offer one caveat; Just as with beans, eating the roots has shown to increase intestinal gas; I would imagine this has something to do with the Probiotic effects.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
The tubers are very high in Inulin, which has been shown to maintain blood glucose levels. They have been used as a treatment for diabetes.

Medicinal Actions:
Antidiabetic