Topinambur is also known as the Jerusalem artichoke. It is a species of plant from the Asteraceae family, which is an edible, ornamental and forage plant. Jerusalem artichoke has a lot of nutritional values as well as a lot of he alth properties. In Poland, this plant has been cultivated since 1730 and it is worth knowing that instead of searching for it in stores, you can simply plant it in your own garden. How to do it and what can you use Jerusalem artichoke for later?
Contents:
- Jerusalem artichoke - what is it?
- What can be made of Jerusalem artichoke?
- How to grow Jerusalem artichoke?
- How to plant Jerusalem artichoke?
- When to collect Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke - what is it?
Jerusalem artichoke is also known asJerusalem artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke and ground pearIt is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family, it comes from North America, but it has spread all over the world . It can also be found in Poland - especially due to the fact that it does not have too high maintenance requirements and is able to grow in really different conditions. Apart from thin roots, Jerusalem artichoke also produces whitish underground stolons ending with shoot tubers. It is these tubers that are of interest to people - they are suitable for food.
What can be made of Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke is a plant characterized by numerous benefits for human he alth.The tuber contains, among other things, inulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and lower the level of bad cholesterol. Many studies show that Jerusalem artichoke supports cancer treatment, although a number of additional tests need to be carried out in this direction. The properties of this plant, however, are apparently broad. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and many important minerals. Jerusalem artichoke also supports the digestive system so that it works properly.
It is a medicinal, fodder, industrial and ornamental plant. When it comes to dishes that can be prepared from it, he althy crisps or purée are popular.You can also bake Jerusalem artichoke in the oven with the addition of herbs, make potato-like pancakes, cream soup or salad.Jerusalem artichoke soup should contain vegetables. It can also be served with grated cheese. Jerusalem artichoke is suitable for eating raw, but in this form it can cause flatulence, therefore it is recommended to cook or bake it.However, not only Jerusalem artichoke dishes are popular. An interesting application is a special coffee made of Jerusalem artichoke. It is a he althier alternative to the popular coffee made from coffee beans.
How to grow Jerusalem artichoke?
When it comes to Jerusalem artichoke, the properties of this plant are so numerous that many people want to grow it in their own garden. Is growing Jerusalem artichoke troublesome? Jerusalem artichoke is tasty and nutritious and looks beautiful in the garden. Jerusalem artichoke flowers are small, but the plant itself can grow up to several meters. It is very similar to a sunflower and easy to grow. It does not have any special soil requirements - in fact, it will be accepted everywhere.However, it likes permeable soil and requires harvesting before setting the seeds - otherwise it will spread quickly around the area.Growing Jerusalem artichoke is easy also because the plant this one tolerates frost well. In the initial period of growth, it is only necessary to regularly weed the substrate.
How to plant Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke can be planted in early spring or autumn. The best season is March or April, and the seedlings must be placed directly in the ground.Tubers should be placed at a depth of about 10-15 cm, in rows about 30-60 cm apart.As for Jerusalem artichoke, the taste of Jerusalem artichoke depends on its variety. Two are registered in Poland, and white Albik is suitable for human consumption. The Rubik variety, with reddish-purple tubers, is a forage variety. It is worth paying attention to this when buying.
When to collect Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke tubers must be harvested until the first frost.The best period for this is late summer or early fall.Some people wonder how it is known that the tubers are already large and ripe enough to be harvested. It is worth paying attention to the leaves - if they start to turn yellow, this is usually a signal for picking.Plants must be cut to maintain the correct height. They should not be cut too low or too high - preferably about 30 centimeters above the ground.
In turn, pull the tubers outside with a pitchfork, gently digging them up so as not to damage them. When it comes to Jerusalem artichoke, how to eat this plant and how to store it? Although similar to a sunflower, it is more like potatoes when it comes to handling. In a cool place, the tubers of this plant will last up to half a year, and in the refrigerator - up to 2 weeks. You can use them to prepare tasty cakes, soup, purée or salad. Jerusalem artichoke coffee, available in he alth food stores, is also popular. Sometimes dandelion root is added to it to further support the positive effects on blood sugar levels. This type of drink is especially recommended for diabetics.
