What is a Sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke) and How to Use It?

Sunchokes grow underground as roots do, and can be eaten many ways: sliced, roasted, steamed, puréed, mashed...we could go on and on! They are sweet, earthy and nutty. Some say their flavor is not unlike that of an artichoke, but that's not how they got their name (something to research in your spare time). 

Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes grow underground as roots do, and can be eaten many ways: sliced, roasted, steamed, puréed, mashed...we could go on and on! They are sweet, earthy and nutty. Some say their flavor is not unlike that of an artichoke, but that's not how they got their name (something to research in your spare time).

Sunchokes are an excellent alternative or substitute for potatoes because they're lower in starch and contain inulin, a carbohydrate our bodies can't digest. This makes them effective for controlling blood sugar, though we should warn you that inulin can also cause some stomachs to rumble if they're sensitive to inulin, so it is best to ease into sunchokes if you've never had them before. They're also gluten-free!

Check out our channel for other sunchoke recipes, such as preparing sunchokes for charcuterie boards or as a purée, which is nice base for a protein, such as seared salmon. Find this recipe and more at www.blog.sigonas.com