We have been digging the cold ground to see what has happened with the little tubers I planted in the allotment many months ago.
Well, we have LOADS of jerusalem artichokes!
jerusalem artichokes just lifted
I really like jerusalem artichokes, but they are almost impossible to find in supermarkets, even though you might get a few in a vegetable box delivery (if you have one, that is).
The plant is a relative of the sunflower, and in summer the shoot up really high and produce cute little bright yellow flowers.
The first part of the name comes from a transcription of the Italian word “girasole” (sunflower), misunderstood by someone for “Jerusalem”.
They are extremely easy to grow, probably easier than potatoes, you don’t have to do anything at all, just plant them and wait!
The variety I’ve chosen is called “fuseaux”, and it’s less knobbly than usual, which makes it easier to peel.
Jerusalem artichokes taste delicious, a little bit like artichoke hearts, hence the second part of their English name.
They are called “topinambur” in Italy, are little known in the northern part, and almost unknown in the south.