Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Jerusalem Artichoke The Jerusalem artichoke, a large, potato-shaped tuber, is characterized by its sweet nutlike flavor. Contrary to popular notion, it neither tastes nor looks like the green or globe artichoke, and is not even related to it botanically. Jerusalem is actually a corruption of the Italian girasole, meaning "turning to the sun," and this artichoke is really a prolific member of the Sunflower family.Do not let the roots spreadJerusalem artichokes are hardy and grow in almost any type of soil that gets a little sunshine, including sandy soil. They are free from disease, highly productive and completely frost-hardy, but spread very rapidly, and unless cultivated with some care, will become troublesome as weeds. For this reason, it is best to give them an out-of-the-way planting a reasonable distance from other vegetables or flowers. To check spreading, dig roots in late fall or early spring and thoroughly remove them.Planting Jerusalem ArtichokesPlanting artichoke tubers is very much like planting potatoes, and is done from cut pieces each having a seed or "eye." Unlike potatoes, this frostproof vegetable can be set out in the fall as well as early spring.A good location may be along the garden edge where the six-to eight-foot-tall artichokes won't overshadow other plants. They are also useful where their screening effect and large, colorful blooms will improve the landscape. (Some grow to heights of a modest 12 feet or so!) Spacing your plantsIn two rows, plant one medium piece per hill, a foot apart, in two- or three-foot rows. In beds, set tubers four by four feet apart. As indicated, plants multiply quickly and soon choke out any venturesome weeds. Mulching is a good idea in row plantings, and compost applications maintain desirable fertility—although soil and climate extremes won't stop this persistent plant.See: Mulch - The importance of using mulch in your garden Moon Phase Planting Jerusalem Artichoke should be planted when the moon is in the 3rd Quarter (i.e. waning) and in one of the following Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra
Harvesting Jerusalem ArtichokesThe sturdy artichoke's bright blossoms, upper stalk and leaf growth don't go to waste, either. Where they're not used for livestock or poultry feeding, the tops can be cut and fed to the compost or mulch-material piles.Since freezing doesn't injure the tubers, they may be left in the ground indefinitely after fall frosts, a fresh supply being dug as needed throughout the off-season. In fact, leaving them in the ground is a practical storage method for this vegetable whose tender skin doesn't make it a particularly good indoor keeper. Those that are brought in should be kept quite moist —if necessary given a daily soaking in water prior to use. It is best to dig up only the amount you plan to use immediately. With the arrival of spring, tubers left in the ground should be dug either for eating or replanting. If an increased supply is wanted, some may simply be left to multiply. Native to the Americas, Jerusalem artichoke is cultivated for its fleshy tubers which are fine, nutritious and low-starch substitutes for potatoes. A 25-foot row will supply the average family for one year. See: Harvesting and Preservation - Harvest and preserve your bounty |
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Nutritional Value of Jerusalem ArtichokesThe artichoke is 100 percent starchless. It stores its carbohydrates in the form of inulin rather than starch, and its sugar as levulose the way most healthful fruits and honey do. It has practically no caloric value.Because of these facts, medical authorities strongly recommend it as a substitute for other carbohydrates on the diabetic's menu, and in the diet of all who should or must restrict their starch and caloric intake. The Jerusalem artichoke offers a good source of some minerals and vitamins (particularly potassium and thiamine)—a result of its being a plant-world union of tuber roots and luxuriant sunflower growth. |
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| | Moon Phase Gardening | | | Zodiac Sign Gardening | | | Vegetable Planting Guide | | | Organic Gardening Guide | | | |
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