Jerusalem Artichokes - Harvested!

Its insane to think we would be harvesting this morning after a few inches of snow, but it makes sense when you think of the Jerusalem Artichokes that we've been nurturing all summer. We had to make sure to get them out of the ground!
 
Jerusalem artichokes have nothing to do with artichokes or Jerusalem. In fact, they are native to North America and belong to the sunflower family.  They look like ginger root and their flavor will remind you of artichokes, water chestnuts, jicama, or apple. Sometimes they are called "sunchokes" and they are great addition to your fall menu. 
 
Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, steamed or pickled. You can use them just about any way you would use a potato. They are great added to soups and  salads. Steam them and add butter and sage. Mash them like potatoes or celery root. Slice them raw and make a salad with beets, diced apple, carrots tossed with vinaigrette dressing. Make fries by cutting them into strips, tossing them with oil, sage, salt and roasting them for about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

A cup of Raw Jerusalem Artichokes contains these power-packed healthy nutrients:

- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, Thiamin (Good Amount)
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3, Niacin
- Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine
- Vitamin B9, Folate
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Choline
- Protein
- Calcium
- Iron (Good Amount)
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids
- Natural Sugars
- Dietary Fiber
- Carbohydrates
- Calories
- Natural Fats 
 
We have harvested an abundant crop of Jerusalem Artichokes - our first time growing them! They were really easy to grow, so try them in your back yard next summer. The plants grow like sunflowers and provide a beautiful flower toward the end of summer into fall. Enjoy!