JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES

Just recently, as a family, we had great fun digging the dirt and searching for Jerusalem artichokes in one of our garden beds. It was real fun! Mr. Hubby was most useful doing the hardest bits such as pulling the big plants out of the garden and Mr. Junior was an excellent digger of the soil. Miss Junior was in my arms trying to get a hold on the buckets-full of Jerusalem artichokes for a taste-test and I was really good at spotting things such as new types of bugs, or a missed piece of Jerusalem artichoke.

The first and the only time we ever planted Jerusalem artichokes was the last year. This year, it was a gift of the nature to us. We didn't really need to do almost anything to it. It performs well even if neglected. In our case this year, it grew on its own and left us kilos of produce to share with the loved ones.

They can be eaten raw or cooked but almost always we prefer them raw. We simply dig them up from the garden, peel and wash and eat. It is crunchy and is somewhat refreshing.

Lets now move onto the health benefits of Jerusalem artichokes. They are;

• similar to potatoes in some ways and may be used as a substitute to them. However, they do not contain the same type of starch as potatoes. They contain inulin which should not affect blood sugar levels. 
• safe for diabetics to consume.
• contain large quantities of iron which makes it very desirable especially for vegetarians and vegans.
• filling.
• high in potassium.
• contain fiber, niacin, thiamine, phosphorus and copper.

Warning: Some people may find it hard to digest even though none of the family members in our case has experienced it.