Jerusalem artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke or topinambour is a species of sunflower that produces big plants, many relatively small flowers and a rich harvest of tubers. The yield of tubers can come close to that of potato plants. The tubers can be eaten similar to potatoes, but are tastier steamed than boiled. They have a similar consistency, but a sweeter, nutt
ier flavor; raw and sliced thinly, they can be eaten in a salad.
The green foliage of the plants is an excellent animal feed (my goats and rabbit are very fond of the plants), as are the tubers.
The plant is hardy and can become a pest in your garden if you don't dig out the tubers each year. It can overtake big parts of your garden if left untamed.
Harvesting
For eating them it's best to harvest in late autumn or even throughout the winter. They grow best in autumn. They are hardy and won't spoil when it freezes, only when the soil is frozen you cannot take them out. You can harvest according to your needs. For re-planting the tubers it's best to harvest them in spring.
Gallery
See also
External links
- Jerusalem artichoke Wikipedia
