JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

Plant Names
Botanical Family: 
ASTERACEAE
Common Name: 
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE
Genus: 
Helianthus
Species: 
tuberosus
About the Name: 

from the Greek helios, "the Sun", and anthos, "flower"; tuberosus means "tuberous" in Latin.

Origins: 

Native to North America, Sunchokes, as they are also called, were first eaten by the Amerindians and are a close relative of the sunflower. It is recorded that Europeans first used them in Massachusetts in the 16th century and took them back to Italy where they were used as pig fodder and to make alcohol for soldiers. The very prolific young tubers are now regarded as a delicacy, but were considered then as poorly-flavoured food, to be used only in hard times.

Variety Notes: 

Look out for good varieties in local grocery stores and in garden clubs. The "fuseau" (spindle) type is easy to peel as it is rounder and less knobby.
H. maximilianii is a perennial grown for its thin but tasty roots. Some fodder types are not delicate enough for human consumption.

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