ARTICHOKE JURUSALEM - PER KG

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Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are grown from tubers rather than seeds, in a similar way to potatoes, yet unlike potatoes they are very hardy. Plant them outdoors in late winter or spring and they’ll grow into tall, vigorous flowering plants. Underground, they produce a plentiful supply of new tubers that are ready to harvest from late autumn onwards. These can be dug up right through winter, whenever you need them. And if you leave a few in the ground, either on purpose or by accident, they’ll sprout in spring and provide a crop by the autumn. 

Despite their name, Jerusalem artichokes aren’t from the Middle East, but from North America, and aren’t related to globe artichokes. Instead, they’re a relative of the sunflower and produce characteristic yellow flowers at the top of their tall stems. The name Jerusalem is thought to be derived from the Italian for sunflower, girasole. They are often known as sunchokes in the US, although they will also crop in partial shade.

As Jerusalem artichokes are relatively expensive to buy in the shops, but extremely easy to grow, they’re a useful and cost-effective crop. They can be dug up over a long period, after many other crops have finished, providing valuable winter harvests.