Jerusalem Artichoke ‘Fuseau’

Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are a member of the sunflower family from North America that is grown widely as a food crop in temperate regions. They are easy to grow in Ireland and their structure also makes them useful as living windbreaks in gardens. They produce generous amounts of edible tubers which are good human and animal food. They can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled and fermented into alcohol if you’re so inclined.

As is common in the Asteraceae family Jerusalem artichoke plants store energy in the form of inulin in their tubers. Inulin cannot be broken down by the human digestive system but bacteria in the colon will metabolise it. This makes it a good probiotic but notoriously causes cartoonish farting and even stomach discomfort in some people. Always eat small amounts at first if not used to it to allow your gut flora to adapt.

There are many different varieties of Jerusalem artichoke which come in different shapes and colours. This variety ‘Fuseau’ produces long fairly smooth tubers which are high yielding and easier to process than knobbly varieties.

Pack contains 6 tubers. Delivered within Ireland only.