Jerusalem artichoke: A forgotten vegetable

1. Few people know about this: Jerusalem artichoke. A great pity, because you can eat this tuber just like the Dutch potato, but then it has a lot more flavor: A sweet taste, combined with a hint of nuts. It is also said that it is reminiscent of artichokes. Hence the nickname Jerusalem artichoke. Let's take a closer look at this forgotten vegetable in this article. I am going to tell you what Jerusalem artichoke is, its health benefits, how to use this tuber in the kitchen, and of course I will close with an easy, but very tasty recipe.

What is Jerusalem artichoke?

1. The name Jerusalem artichoke is not used by everyone. There are several names in circulation such as bluebell, tuberous sunflower or Jerusalem artichoke. Jerusalem artichokes are tubers that, like the potato, grow underground. Traditionally, it was food for the poor, because Jerusalem artichoke was very easy to cultivate: Jerusalem artichoke grows fine even on the poorest soil, and weed killers are not necessary because this crop grows faster than most weeds. Pests do not come to it either, so insecticides are not necessary. Also impoverishment of the soil because the Jerusalem artichoke is grown on the same piece of land for a number of years is not applicable. All in all, a very easy to grow tuber. A tuber that, especially by enthusiasts of organic products, has many advantages. Particularly health benefits. But more on that later.

2. The name Jerusalem artichoke is not used by everyone. There are several names in circulation, such as blueberry, tuberous sunflower or Jerusalem artichoke. Jerusalem artichokes are tubers that, like the potato, grow underground. Traditionally, it was food for the poor, because Jerusalem artichoke was very easy to cultivate: Jerusalem artichoke grows well even on the poorest soil, and weed killers are not necessary because this crop grows faster than most weeds. Pests do not come to it either, so insecticides are not necessary. Also impoverishment of the soil because the Jerusalem artichoke is grown on the same piece of land for a number of years is not applicable. All in all, a very easy to grow tuber. A tuber to which many advantages are attributed, especially by enthusiasts of organic products. Particularly health benefits. But more on that later.

1. Jerusalem artichokes can be bought, but it is also possible to grow them yourself. If you have one square meter of soil, you can sow them in April, after which you can harvest Jerusalem artichokes all winter long. The plant is frost resistant. In fact, the frost only makes them tastier.

2. Jerusalem artichokes can be bought, but it is also possible to grow them yourself. If you have one square meter of soil, you can sow them in April, after which you can harvest the Jerusalem artichokes all winter long. The plant is frost resistant. In fact, the frost only makes them tastier.

1. Talking about tasty: The taste of Jerusalem artichoke is very special. It has a soft-sweet taste with a hint of nut. Some describe it as a smoky aroma that is a bit like the taste of artichoke. Hence the nickname Jerusalem artichoke. In terms of taste, therefore, cannot be compared with the Dutch potato!

2. Talking about tasty: The taste of Jerusalem artichokes is very special. It has a soft-sweet taste with a hint of nut. Some describe it as a smoky aroma that is a bit like the taste of artichoke. Hence the nickname Jerusalem artichoke. In terms of taste, therefore not comparable with the Dutch potato!

1. Jerusalem artichokes can be used in many ways, such as boiled, steamed or as gratin from the oven. You will find a delicious Jerusalem artichoke recipe later in this article.

Jerusalem artichoke health benefits

1. One of the active substances in Jerusalem artichoke is Inulin, an active plant fiber that cannot be digested by humans. This therefore applies to the raw tuber. After cooking, this inulin is converted into Fructose, which gives the tuber a sweet taste. In addition, the tubers contain so-called Bifidobacteria, which have a very positive effect on the growth of a healthy intestinal flora.

1. Jerusalem artichoke also contains a large amount of other nutrients such as biotin, sodium, iron, silicon and calcium. It is precisely because of their presence that Jerusalem artichokes have a beneficial effect on gout, rheumatism and constipation, among other things.

1. So what does this mean for common conditions? We will list them one by one:

Jerusalem artichoke and Diabetes

1. People who suffer from diabetes, or diabetes, can benefit from Jerusalem artichoke. It is important to eat the Jerusalem artichoke raw. The Jerusalem artichoke contains inulin (no, no confusion with insulin). When you cook the Jerusalem artichokes, this inulin is converted to fructose, which gives the tuber the final sweet taste. Raw food is fine in salads, for example, grated or cut into very thin slices. The positive effect of Jerusalem artichoke on diabetic patients is threefold:

2. People who suffer from diabetes, or diabetes, can benefit from Jerusalem artichoke. It is important to eat the Jerusalem artichoke raw. The Jerusalem artichoke contains inulin (no, no confusion with insulin). When you cook the Jerusalem artichokes, this inulin is converted into fructose, which gives the tuber the final sweet taste. Raw food is fine in salads, for example, grated or cut into very thin slices. The positive effect of Jerusalem artichoke on diabetic patients is threefold:

Jerusalem artichoke and digestion

1. The previously mentioned Inulin is also responsible for the better functioning of the intestines: Food passes through the intestines faster and much smoother because this same Inulin is a vegetable, active fiber. Especially people with chronic constipation can benefit from eating the RAW Jerusalem artichoke. The cooked version contains no inulin, because it is converted into Fructose during the cooking process. Raw food!

Jerusalem artichoke and osteoporosis

1. For the absorption of, among other things, calcium by the body, it is very important that the PH value in the intestines is relatively low. The fermentation process of the Inulin and Bifidobacteria in the digestive process ensures the production of lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and acetic acid. These substances lower the Ph level in the intestines. By eating 40 grams of Inulin, the absorption capacity of the body, with regard to calcium, can increase by as much as 58%!

Jerusalem artichoke and overweight

1. If you are overweight, Jerusalem artichoke can also be of service to you. Jerusalem artichoke is moisture-wicking, contains very few calories and contains the hormone phytoestrogen. The effect on obesity manifests itself in two ways:

Using Jerusalem artichoke in the kitchen

1. Despite the fact that in seduction the Jerusalem artichoke was daily fare for the poor, this tuber is now used in the most prestigious restaurants. This is mainly due to the soft-sweet taste, combined with a subtle taste of nuts. But you can also use the Jerusalem artichoke in the kitchen. Here are a few examples of the versatility:

1. The â € ˜normalâ € ™ preparation method, so just like the Dutch potatoes, is done as follows: You can peel the Jerusalem artichokes beforehand, but this is not necessary. Do wash well! Due to the uneven skin, in some cases brushing is necessary to remove all dirt. Boil the Jerusalem artichokes for 15 to 20 minutes. Definitely don't cook them any longer as they tend to fall apart. Add a few drops of lemon juice to the water to avoid discoloration of the tubers.

Recipe: Casserole with Jerusalem artichokes, bacon strips and Parmesan cheese

1. This recipe is very easy and quick to make. It is a basic recipe, where you can also replace the Jerusalem artichokes with regular Dutch potatoes. But it is precisely the sweet taste, combined with a hint of nuts, that makes this casserole so special.

1. Requirements:

1. Will you let me know if the recipe was successful, and if you liked the Jerusalem artichokes?