Topinam…what?? While the average German has never heard of this plant with the strange name, Jerusalem artichoke is now widely used in low carb circles. In the “normal” supermarket, you usually look for it in vain. But in many organic stores Jerusalem artichoke has become a permanent part of the assortment in recent years.
What actually is Jerusalem artichoke? – The daily bite of knowledge
Written by
Marina Lommel
3 minutes reading time
17. July 2023
Table of contents
1. Jerusalem artichoke - the Jerusalem artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke looks a bit like ginger, is botanically more related to sunflower, and when cooked the texture is reminiscent of artichoke bottoms. That is why Jerusalem artichoke is also often called Jerusalem artichoke or earth artichoke, although visually the two do not resemble each other at all.
You also want to #lose weight successfully and deliciously?
2. inulin for intestinal bacteria
However, the Jerusalem artichoke tuber has one thing in common with the artichoke: Both contain the dietary fiber inulin. This dietary fiber is water-soluble and enters the large intestine, where it acts as a bacterial food. Inulin is a prebiotic. Apart from artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes, inulin is also found in chicory, salsify and other vegetables. A little tip on the side: Due to the high amount of fiber, too much of a good thing has a laxative effect. Feel your way slowly to the tuber.
3. low carb potato
Cooked, Jerusalem artichokes are wonderful to make into a puree or sneak into a low carb “potato salad”. The Jerusalem artichoke tuber can also outperform the potato as crispy chips. However, unlike the potato, Jerusalem artichoke can be eaten raw and with the skin. The tuber tastes slightly sweet and very fresh due to the high water content.
4. nutritional values of Jerusalem artichoke
| Nutritional values per 100 g | Jerusalem artichoke | Potato |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 kcal | 76 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4,0 g | 14,8 g |
| Protein | 2,44 g | 2,04 g |
| Fat | 0,41 g | 0,11 g |
| Dietary fiber | 12,1 g | 2,07 g |
5. recipes with Jerusalem artichoke
On Foodpunk you can find a recipe for low carb potato salad with homemade keto mayo. In it Jerusalem artichoke is used together with parsley root.
You can find a recipe for Jerusalem artichokes with sea salt and rosemary on Springlane.
And Bettina from Happy Carb even makes Jerusalem artichoke buttermilk rolls from the tuber.
6. where can I buy Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke can be found in many organic stores, for example Basic, Alnatura or Denn’s. Season Jerusalem artichoke is from September to November.
Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.
The daily bite of knowledge
This new section is intended to provide a brief look at topics in nutrition science. If there are any topics you are particularly interested in, please leave us a comment.
Photo: bergamont/Shutterstock
Similar posts by Foodpunk
The best sources of fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Fat is a great source of energy. If you are on a low carbohydrate diet, you should by no means eat low fat. Because especially in a low carb diet, the body needs the energy from high-quality fatty acids. But not all fat is the same.
What are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!
5 Facts about Vitamin D – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
For what do we need the vitamin? What does this have to do with cholesterol? Learn more about it here!
What is the difference between Paleo, Low Carb and Keto?
Stop the confusion! Here you can read what's behind Paleo, Low Carb and Keto. What are the differences? What the similarities? Which diet is the right one?
Bulletproof Coffee – what does the butter in the coffee do?
Butter coffee - aka Bulletproof Coffee - is on everyone's lips. What's the hype about? And how do you make Bulletproof Coffee?
What is this Bulletproof diet anyway?
The Bulletproof diet is a high-fat diet, based on the Paleo diet.
In the low carb diet, you eat no more than about 100g of carbohydrates a day. Find out which foods should and shouldn't be included here!
If you think you still need to get a loincloth and a drumstick to eat the right Paleo diet, you better check out this article!
How do ketone bodies become energy?
Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and then enter the blood. They are small and well soluble in water. This allows them to be wonderfully transported throughout the body.