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
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!
All about intermittent fasting
For whom is it suitable? For whom not? What is there to consider? In this article we clarify!
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?
Do you know why sleep is also important for losing weight and too little sleep is bad for you? Here we explain it to you!
Eating out – Paleo Restaurants, Low Carb Cafés and much more – in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Together with our community, we want to create the ultimate list of foodpunk-worthy restaurants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for you.
Alzheimer’s is Diabetes Type 3 – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
Alzheimer's is also called type 3 diabetes by researchers. But why? What does this disease, whose most obvious symptom is dementia, have to do with sugar and insulin?
What happens in the metabolism without carbohydrates?
When the metabolism does not receive carbohydrates, it behaves similarly to fasting. What happens during this "food abstinence" as the nutritionist calls it, you will learn in this article.
Which foods are suitable for the ketogenic diet and which are rather inappropriate, we summarize for you in this article!
I'm sure you've heard about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, perhaps pay attention to eating fatty sea fish or even take fish oil capsules. But why exactly are omega-3 fatty acids relevant for the body?