Veg in Focus
ARTICHOKE
Everything you need to know about Jerusalem artichokes
FUN FACTS
IN SEASON: October – early April
LATIN NAME: Helianthus tuberosus
GOOD SOURCE OF: Iron, fibre, vitamin B1 and potassium
TYPES: Fuseau, Dwarf Sunray
Surprisingly, Jerusalem artichokes are actually related to sunflowers and really aren’t an artichoke at all. But that’s not the only pretence they’re playing under; despite the name, Jerusalem artichokes do not originate from the Israeli city, either. It’s believed that the name came from the mispronunciation of the Italian word for sunflower: girasole. Jerusalem artichokes are in fact native to America.
But, despite the many myths surrounding it, the Jerusalem artichoke is a delicious, nutritious and highly underused vegetable. Also known as a sunroot, sunchoke or topinambur, the Jerusalem artichoke boasts a sweet, nutty flavour and delicious crunchy texture. Sure, they’re not exactly pretty on the outside, with dull red-fish skin and bulbous shape, but under that they’re packed with iron, potassium and vitamin B1. And, although they have a sweet flavour, their starchy fibre – being an especially rich source of inulin – helps to stop your blood sugar spiking; plus, they have a lower GI (glycaemic index) than potatoes.