
Sunchoke
Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are knobby, brown-skinned tubers with a subtly sweet and nutty flavor reminiscent of artichoke hearts. Their crisp, white flesh can be eaten raw or cooked, offering a unique earthy sweetness that adds depth to various dishes. These versatile root vegetables are a great source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, making them a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. Find sunchokes at your local farmers market during the fall and winter months for the freshest flavor and best quality. Learn how to cook with sunchokes and discover new sunchoke recipes for roasting, pureeing, or adding to soups and salads.
Common Uses
- Roasting sunchokes with olive oil, herbs, and garlic is a simple way to enhance their naturally sweet and nutty flavor, creating a crispy and caramelized side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.
- Pureeing cooked sunchokes with broth, cream, and seasonings results in a velvety smooth and flavorful sunchoke soup, perfect for a comforting and elegant appetizer or light meal.
- Thinly slicing raw sunchokes and adding them to salads provides a delightful crunch and a subtle artichoke-like taste, adding a unique twist to your favorite green salads or slaw.
- Sautéing sunchokes with butter, shallots, and mushrooms creates a savory and earthy topping for pasta, polenta, or risotto, offering a gourmet touch to your everyday meals.
- Pickling sunchokes in a vinegar-based brine is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture, creating a tangy and crunchy condiment that complements sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and appetizers.
- Adding diced sunchokes to gratins with potatoes, cream, and cheese provides a delightful earthy sweetness and creamy texture, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish for fall and winter gatherings.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
73.0kcal (3.65%)
Protein
3.0g (6%)
Carbs
17.4g (6.34%)
Sugars
9.6g (19.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
73.0kcal (3.65%)
Protein
3.0g (6%)
Carbs
17.4g (6.34%)
Sugars
9.6g (19.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health and digestion.
- May help regulate blood sugar levels due to its high fiber content and low glycemic index.
- Good source of iron, contributing to healthy red blood cell production and energy levels.
- Contains potassium, important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.
- Provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
- May promote weight management due to its high fiber content, which can increase feelings of fullness.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Sunchokes are best stored unwashed in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Place them in a loosely sealed plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Stored properly, they can last for 1-2 weeks. Avoid storing them at room temperature as they will quickly soften and sprout.
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