Jerusalem artichokes are a perennial vegetable that originate from North America. The plant is really simple to grow and its tubers have a sweet and nutty taste. Also often called sunchokes, it is a vegetable that is experiencing a rise in popularity again thanks to its versatility and richness in fibre and minerals.
The plant is actually a species of sunflower that grows very tall in the garden, but it is the knobbly tubers that are so popular and have many culinary uses. I have grown and harvested Jerusalem artichokes for chefs at several restaurants, growing them in different kitchen gardens in the UK. It is a crop that was always highly regarded for use during the colder fall and winter months.
