Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke (2 plants) – A hardy and tasty perennial!

The Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus ), also known as sunchoke , is a hardy perennial that produces beautiful yellow flowers resembling small sunflowers. But its true treasure lies underground: its edible tubers , with a sweet taste reminiscent of hazelnut and artichoke.

Extremely easy to grow, it adapts to all soil types and returns year after year without any special care. A must-have for a sustainable vegetable garden!

Characteristics of the Jerusalem artichoke

Planting period : March - April
Harvest : September - October (or in winter for a milder flavor)
Plant height : Up to 2.5 m (8')
Exposure : Full sun
Hardiness zone : 4
Type : Hardy perennial
Deer resistance : No

Planting and cultivation of Jerusalem artichokes

When and where to plant
Plant as soon as the soil can be worked, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost .
Prefers loose, well-drained soil , but it also grows in heavier soils.
Warning! It is very vigorous and can become invasive. Plant it in a corner of the garden or use underground barriers.

How to plant
1Plant the tubers 15-20 cm (6-8") deep .
2Space each plant 50 cm (16") apart to give them enough space.
3Water well after planting and keep the soil moist until germination.
4Once established, the plant requires very little maintenance and is quite resistant to light droughts.

Interview
Mulch the soil to retain moisture and limit weeds.
Provide support if necessary, as the stems can grow very tall.
Cut the flowers after flowering to limit spontaneous propagation.

Harvesting and storing Jerusalem artichokes

When to harvest
From September-October , but the tubers become sweeter after the first frosts .
Leave some of them in the ground: they will grow back naturally the following spring.

Harvesting method
Dig up the tubers with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them.

Storage
In the refrigerator : Store them in a perforated bag for up to 2 weeks .
In damp sand : Store them in a cellar or in a sand bin for several months .
In the ground : You can leave part of it in the ground and harvest all winter long!

Easy recipe: Cream of Jerusalem artichoke soup

A mild and comforting soup, perfect for discovering this delicious root!

Ingredients

• 500g of Jerusalem artichokes
• 1 potato (to bind)
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 750 ml of vegetable stock
• 100 ml of cream (optional)
• Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Preparation

1. Peel and cut the Jerusalem artichokes and potato into pieces.
2Sauté the chopped onion in butter.
3Add the vegetables and broth, then simmer for 20 minutes .
4Blend until smooth.
5Add the cream, season and serve piping hot!

Drizzle with a little hazelnut oil for even more deliciousness!

Why grow Jerusalem artichokes

Easy to grow and maintenance-free
Rustic and returns every year
Rich in fiber and inulin, excellent for digestion
Delicious in soup, roasted in the oven, or mashed.

Adopt the Jerusalem artichoke and discover a plant that's as beautiful as it is delicious!