Compositae
Source: Magness et al. 1971Jerusalem artichoke is an herbaceous perennial, arising from a fleshy rootstock that bears oblong tubers. In cultivation, however, it is grown as an annual - much like the potato. The tubers, used both for human food and livestock feed, are produced well underground. They are knobby, white, red or purple skinned, and range in size up to 3 or 4 inches long, and half as thick. They contain the carbohydrate inulin, rather than starch, which yields fructose on hydrolysis. Tubers are prepared by cooking, and pickling. They do not store well.
Production in U.S.: Not available. Very limited for food or feed.
Use: Fresh tubers cooked, mainly baked. as potatoes, or pickled.
Part of plant consumed: Tubers only.