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?
Jerusalem artichoke - what is it ?.Jerusalem artichoke is also known as Jerusalem artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke and pear. It is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It comes from North America, but it has practically 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 with 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, soup-cream 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. There are no special soil requirements - in principle, it will be adopted everywhere. However, it likes well-drained soil and requires harvesting before setting seeds - otherwise it will spread quickly around the area. Growing Jerusalem artichoke is also easy because this plant 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. The tubers should be placed at a depth of about 10-15 centimeters, in rows approximately 30-60 centimeters 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.
