Jeruselum Artichokes, anyone know about these?

[msbsgblue]

We have them growing in our yard and they are edible, though I am not sure how they are prepared.

If anyone knows I's appreciate it. And, if anyone is interested we could possibly share some later on.

Below is basically what I do know.

Native edible tuber has 10 foot tall plant with small sunflower like blossums . Tubers are harvested in Fall through spring. They are excellent especially for diabetics as they help lower blood sugar. They are very tasty raw , crisp and crunchy on a salad with a taste like water chestnuts. They can also be cooked and there are many reciepes for soups and dishes with them in it. They will store for months in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp towel in a plastic bag.

[callady]

A friend gave me some to grow years ago. They are such pretty little sunflowers and then when I dug them up, she told me to use it like a potato. I remember I cleaned them, sliced and sauted them in some oil with a little seasoning or herbs on them. I honestly don't remember if we liked them or not though.

[Jean]

Sounds like you have good information on them. I have four varieties growing in the old homestead garden that I got through a grower in the Seed Savers Exchange. I like the flowers, too. Really an easy plant to grow.

Google comes up with lots of recipes.

[msbsgblue]

My hubby was not aware that there are several varieties. Do you have a photo? Are you growing them for the edibility or flowers?

[Jean]

Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the tubers or flowers. I am growing them to eat, but haven't dug any yet. Probably this fall. Was letting them multiply.

Found this article on them -- it lists some different varieties:

www.innvista.com/HEALTH/foods/vegetables/artjeru.htm

Jean

[msbsgblue]

Thanks Jean.

[tashak3]

You can also use them (peeled, sliced) as a substitute for water chestnuts in stirfry.

[Pharmer Phil]

they are very good, I get the evil eye when I "tend" a patch of the wild sun chokes tho. farmers aren't real partial too them!

[bscamo]

I knows a bunch about JA'S.....If the poster had bothered ta ask me (she's my better 'alf).

Jean , it's best ta wait until mid to late fall ta harvest 'em. Wait 'til the stalks is completely brown........Dat way the tubers git all the goodies & get der max size.

Dez best stored in da ground or in da root cellar...UNWASHED..

Water can start a breakdown process in dem...

Dey's got a different kind of sugar dat don't have any bad effect on diabetics.......the main commercial use now is to make dietetic pasta.

I know's why many pharmers ain't partial to 'em , why dey nick named Sun Chokes , & a lot of udder trivia stuff 'bout 'em..

In fact , dez a tuber/ plant native to America that wuz & is used fer food...

Dat's all I got ta say fer now......don't want ta bore y'all...