Jerusalem Artichoke: A Hardy Perennial That’s Tasty

Something that’s been a real game-changer in my garden lately is the Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as Sunchoke. It’s not your typical artichoke, nor is it from Jerusalem, but this plant is a true underground gem. I adore its yellow sunflower-like flowers and versatility in the kitchen. And the fact that it grows very well in Queensland! Let’s dig into why it’s got a permanent home in my garden.

Growing Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem Artichokes are surprisingly easy to grow. They thrive in temperate climates but are adaptable enough to grow in warmer, more humid areas like Queensland with some care. They’re not fussy about soil and can grow up to 3 meters tall.

Their gorgeous, yellow flowers are similar to sunflowers. I’ve planted mine in a spot with light, well-draining soil in a raised garden bed, and they’ve been doing wonderfully. They’re almost ready to harvest.

I’ve found them to be quite adaptable. They appreciate a sunny spot and a good mulching to thrive. While they are tolerant of various conditions, they particularly enjoy well-drained soil and regular watering, without being overly pampered.

Why They’re in My Garden

The real treasure of the Jerusalem Artichoke lies underground in its tubers. These knobby roots are not only delicious but also packed with inulin, a type of fiber that’s great for your gut health.

Unlike other starchy vegetables, Jerusalem Artichokes have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for diabetics. They’re versatile in the kitchen, too – you can boil, bake, or even eat them raw in salads.

I only recently found out that you should pinch off the flower buds as soon as they appear, to increase your harvest. I have never done this. Honestly, I love the flowers so much, I’m not sure I will!

Aside from their culinary uses, Jerusalem Artichokes can act as a windbreak in the garden. They’re also beneficial for animal forage, with tops that can be grazed down before harvesting. And let’s not overlook their beauty – the attractive yellow flowers brighten any garden!

Health Benefits

I try to include Jerusalem Artichokes in my diet regularly, and here’s why:

• Diabetic Friendly: Their high inulin content helps manage blood sugar levels.
• Gut Health: Inulin is a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut.
• Rich in Nutrients: They’re a good source of iron, potassium, and a range of vitamins.
• Low in Calories: Perfect for anyone watching their calorie intake.

Harvesting and Storing

I harvest my Jerusalem Artichokes about 4-6 weeks after they start flowering. I prefer to harvest tubers as I use them, but that’s not always successful, especially if they’re in heavy, poorly draining soils. I now grow my plants in a raised garden bed, with very well-draining soil. So far, this method has been working very well.

Any piece left in the soil can (and quite possibly will) reshoot. I haven’t had any issues here in Queensland, because it isn’t their ‘perfect’ climate, but keep this in mind if you’re in a temperate climate. They have the potential to become weedy, and they’re hard to get rid of because every little piece grows!

You can store the tubers in a cool, dry place, and they store okayish. I find that the only place that is cool enough here is the fridge. The problem with the fridge is that it’s not exactly ‘dry’, so they may start sprouting. Better to eat them as soon as you harvest them.

If you can’t leave them in the ground to regrow the next harvest, try storing them in the fridge in some sand or slightly damp peat moss or sawdust until you’re ready to plant them.

In the Kitchen

Jerusalem Artichokes have a nutty, sweet flavor that’s often compared to water chestnuts. They make a fantastic soup when you add a touch of cream and some fresh herbs. I also love roasting them until they’re crispy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. And for a quick, healthy snack, I’ll slice them thin and eat them raw with a sprinkle of sea salt.

The Farting Artichoke

A word of caution… While they’re a delightful addition to any meal, Jerusalem Artichokes can cause some… let’s say, digestive enthusiasm. It’s the inulin – while great for your gut bacteria, it can cause gas in some people. I’ve found that starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the serving size can help your digestive system adjust.

Final Thoughts

Jerusalem Artichokes are some of the prettiest edibles in my garden, as well as some of the most rewarding! They’re easy to grow, packed with health benefits, and offer a bounty of delicious tubers year after year. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-yield plant to add to your garden, Jerusalem Artichokes are a fantastic choice. Give them a try – your taste buds (and your gut) will thank you!