Helianthus tuberosus Jerusalem artichoke (Compositae)

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Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke
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The Helianthus tuberosus plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Minnesota and Kansas. Occasionally naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Jerusalem artichoke.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Helianthus tuberosus
Common Name:  Jerusalem artichoke
Family:  Compositae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  2.4   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Rich and damp thickets[43].

Edible Uses: Tubers - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 95]. The tuber develops a pleasant sweetness during the winter, especially if subjected to frosts, and is then reasonably acceptable raw[K]. Otherwise it is generally best cooked, and can be used in all the ways that potatoes ae used[K]. The tubers are rich in inulin[46], a starch which the body cannot digest, so Jerusalem artichokes provide a bulk of food without many calories[K]. Some people are not very tolerant of inulin, it tends to ferment in their guts and can cause quite severe wind[K]. The tubers are fairly large, up to 10cm long and 6cm in diameter[200]. The tubers bruise easily and lose moisture rapidily so are best left in the ground and harvested as required[200]. The inulin from the roots can be converted into fructose, a sweet substance that is safe for diabetics to use[46, 171]. The roasted tubers are a coffee substitute[183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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