These little roots have a sweet, nutty flavour and are very versatile in your kitchen, They are delicious roasted, make a fantastic creamy soup and are also pretty good simply boiled and buttered. They can be used sweet and savoury; from ice cream and dessert garnishes that are candied and dehydrated to velvety purees and savoury tarts combined with wild mushrooms and tart green apples. They also makes a delicate broth that is delicious on its own or as a foundation for sauces.
Jerusalem artichoke is a tuber, which comes from the root of a type of sunflower and is not to be confused with the more recognisable globe artichoke, which is a type of thistle. They possibly got their name from 'girasole', meaning sunflower, which is the name Italians migrants into the US gave to them. It's possible that they got their names from Puritans settlers upon arriving in what they called the 'New Jerusalem', upon discovering this native plant.
High in inulin, this tuber is great for diabetics.
