Inulin fiber is a non-digestible or insoluble form of fiber that stimulates the growth/ production of bifidobacteria...essentially working as a prebiotic. Bifidobacteria are the good guys! This is the group of bacteria that is known for gut health, immune support, and many other health benefits. They fight harmful bacteria in the intestines and can prevent constipation. Apart from gut health, inulin can help regulate cholesterol, curb appetite, and is good for overall heart health. So how do you get inulin fiber naturally?? Many foods contain inulin but the one we will speak about today is Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).
Jerusalem Artichoke is a perennial plant in the sunflower family. It sets tall stems boasting with bright and beautiful yellow flowers the pollinators love. Despite the name, Jerusalem Artichokes have no relation to the common globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus).
So what part do you eat?? The tubers!
Jerusalem Artichoke are ferocious producers. Plant them once and you have food for life. They produce abundant amounts of edible tubers. Some would say they are even invasive. If this concerns you, you could plant them inside of a plastic tote or some sort of secured bin. These are one of, if not THE easiest plant to grow. It requires a sunny spot and will tolerate just about any soil, even very poor soil. It's one of those plants you just put in and forget about until the frost when it is time to harvest. If you do plant it in-ground, to keep them tame just cut the plants that pop up out of the area you want them growing. Keep trimming them back and they will keep to the area you specified.
The tubers taste like a sweeter and nutty version of a white potato. They are quite delicious! They are also lower in carbs/sugars than the standard white potato when harvested prior to a frost. If harvested after the frost they convert more of their contents to sugars, making them even sweeter. My favorite way to prepare them is to scrub them clean, drizzle them in oil, sprinkle on some seasonings, then roast them.
Aren't they so interesting and pretty once they are all cleaned up??
There is almost no way you will manage to get all the tubers harvested and even a small little piece left behind will turn into a new plant next year. It is said that once planted, you will have Jerusalem Artichokes for life. Is that a bad thing?? ;) Not in my opinion.
As you see from the pictures above, we got a pretty good harvest for a first-year plant! We plan to try this recipe for ROASTED JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES {FETA + GARLIC DILL BUTTER} from Victoria's Table!
http://www.viktoriastable.com/roasted-jerusalem-artichoks-feta-garlic-dill-butter/
Now doesn't that look tantalizing!?
If you are in need of tubers to plant, check out our Etsy shop below!
Leave us a comment to let us know your favorite Jerusalem Artichoke recipe!!
@gardenjournal2019
With lots of love
~Bren
-Kindred Acres
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