Jerusalem Artichokes

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) or sunroot is a species of sunflower native to eastern North America and found from eastern Canada and Maine west to North Dakota, and south to northern Florida and Texas. It is not related to the domestic artichoke, but rather to asters, daisies, and sunflowers. Sunroots are cultivated for their tuber, which is used as a root vegetable.

Jerusalem artichokes have 47 grams of fructans in 1 cup (regular artichokes clock in with just 6 grams per 'choke). One cup also delivers 3 grams of protein, 2.4 grams of fiber, 25% DV for thiamin, and 28% DV for iron. The majority of carbohydrates in 'chokes are inulin, a prebiotic fiber that provides food for your critters. Thiamin (vitamin B1) supports healthy hair, skin and nails, and iron helps form red blood cells. Try sunchokes roasted with olive oil and garlic, raw in salads (they have a texture similar to water chestnuts), or in Jerusalem Artichoke-Potato Soup with Crispy Croutons.