Jerusalem Artichoke

Scientific Binomial Name: Helianthus tuberosus

The Jerusalem artichoke is not an artichoke, nor is it from Jerusalem. It's actually is a species of sunflower native to eastern North America. Jersalem artichokes are cultivated for their tuber, which somewhat resembles ginger root, is native to the Mississippi Valley. Its use originated with Indians inhabiting that area who introduced it to the white settlers.

How it got its misleading name is not known although some say it derives from girasole, the Italian word for sunflower. More recently, people have begun calling Jerusalem artichokes sunroot, sunchoke, earth apple or topinambour.

Selection Information

Usage: Eaten raw and with dips or sauces. Can be grated, sliced, dice or julienned for use in vegetables salads or meat and fish dishes.

Selection: Also called sun choke, Jerusalem artichoke is the root tuber or the sunflower plant. Good quality Jerusalem artichokes should be heavy for its size and full of moisture. It will be tan to cream in color, and can be either smooth or lumpy and bulbous.

Storage: Store saw Jerusalem artichokes in a dark, dry, cool, and well-ventilatd place for one to three weeks. The vegetable drawer of your fridge is perfect if you wrap them in paper towels first to absorb humidity and seal them in a platic bag.

Cooked Jerusalem artichokes should be refridgerated but only for a day or two.

Avoid: Avoid product that is wrinkled, dry and lightweight. Jerusalem artichoke should be thoroughly scrubbed to remove any sand or soil.

Seasonal Information

Available year-round with the sweetest product arriving in the fall and winter.

Jerusalem Artichoke Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 150g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 114	Calories from Fat 0
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26g	9%
Dietary Fiber 2g	10%
Sugars 14g
Protein 3g
Vitamin A 1%	Vitamin C 10%
Calcium 2%	Iron 28%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Jerusalem artichokes are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Thiamin, Phosphorus and Potassium, and a very good source of Iron.

Jerusalem Artichoke Tips & Trivia

In Baden-Württemberg, Germany, over 90 percent of the Jerusalem artichoke root is used to produce a spirit called "Topinambur", "Topi" or "Rossler".