Have you ever heard of sunroot, sunchoke, earth apple or Jerusalem artichoke? These names are all given to powerful plant which is a species of sunflower. The stem with the yellow flowers remind of a sunflower, while its tubers look very much like a potato. Since recently, this plant started to be used and became popular in cook use. The characteristics of the plant are various, ranging from taste improver to healing properties.
Helianthus tuberosus is its Latin name, but it is also known as wild potato or Jerusalem artichokes. In China they call it Yang Jiang and people often use it in traditional medicine. Mainly the root and the leaves of the plant are used as medicine product. The Jerusalem artichoke can have healing and remedy properties when used as food, but it can also be found in the pharmaceutical industry.
Its nutritive values are high, but on the other hand the good news is that it is low in calories, namely there are only 73 calories at 100 grams. Therefore, it is an excellent plant for extra weight loss. Despite being low in calories, Jerusalem artichoke is rich in fiber, which helps the work of the digestive system and helping people who suffer from intestinal flora disorders and improving the digestion.
Potassium, important for the control of the blood pressure, regulation of the water content in the body, helps the proper functioning of the heart and of the muscles, transmission of nerve impulses and phosphorus, beneficial for bones and teeth, is also found in the Jerusalem artichoke.
Opposite of the potato nutritive values and content, Jerusalem artichoke has no starch; instead it is rich in inulin, which is responsible for the control of the sugar levels and the insulin in the body, which makes it a beneficial food for those who suffer diabetes.
It contains vitamin B complex, vitamin D, iron, calcium, vitamin C, magnesium and provitamin A, and it is also a great source of essential amino acids.
As a food, Jerusalem artichoke can be consumed raw, baked, boiled; but, however, the best effects it has if consumed raw. Raw, spicy grated artichoke is a great salad, and you can also add some other vegetables and season it. You can also add Jerusalem artichoke to other meals, like baked or boiled potatoes, as a supplement.
HOW TO use Jerusalem artichokes?
You can prepare and serve the Jerusalem artichokes as a salad or as a soup. Below you can read the recipes for Jerusalem artichokes soup and salad.
Jerusalem artichokes soup
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 150 gr of boiled potatoes;
- 4 tubers of Jerusalem artichokes
- Bunch of parsley with leaves
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil;
- 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour;
- 1 liter of water
- Salt
Preparation:
Chop the parsley and the carrots. Fry them on olive oil. When brown, add flour, water and salt. Then, peel the Jerusalem artichokes and cut it into cubes. Add the cut Jerusalem artichokes into the boiling water. When Jerusalem artichokes soften, add the cut potatoes. Stir and garnish with parsley leaves.
Jerusalem artichokes salad
Preparation:
- ½ kg apples
- ½ kg Jerusalem artichokes
- Orange juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation:
Peel the apples and the Jerusalem artichokes. Grate them. Pour the orange juice and the tablespoon of olive oil. Mix them well and consume this salad fresh.
Source: yourhealthypage.org
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