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.
Table of contents
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?
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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
Carbohydrates and fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Good or bad idea? Click in to find out the answer!
In 10 steps to becoming a food punk
More zest for life, vitality and health! Lose weight and feast at the same time! Supply the brain with energy! All this can be achieved with the right dietary changes.
Which foods are suitable for the ketogenic diet and which are rather inappropriate, we summarize for you in this article!
Lower Cortisol – 10 Effective Tips
Most of us have a pretty stressful everyday life. Because there are too many phases of tension and too few phases of relaxation, cortisol secretion is often at its peak and the adrenal glands are overstressed.
Reader Question of the Month – Can children also eat xylitol?
Are children also allowed to eat xylitol? In this post you will learn the answer!
Coconut oil vs. MCT oil – The daily bite of knowledge
A comparison of the two fats in a practical overview.
What are MCTs? – The daily bite of knowledge
The abbreviation MCT stands for middle chain triglyceride.
What is cortisol? – The daily bite of knowledge
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. Because of its effect on the body, it is often referred to as "the stress hormone."
The 4 best dietary supplements – The daily bite of knowledge
Which preparations can make sense? Kick yourself in!
