J is for Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus)

The Jerusalem artichoke, not to be confused with the Globe artichoke                                       (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a statuesque species of Sunflower           (Helianthus annus) which is native to North America, it has no connection to Jerusalem and it isn't actually related to any other artichoke! The origin of its name is uncertain though the artichoke part is believed to be from the similarity in the taste of its tuber with that of the true artichoke.

Jerusalem artichoke

This herbaceous perennial plant, a northern member of the Lettuce family is cultivated from October-March worldwide mainly for its below ground tubers which are used as root vegetables that can be eaten either raw in salads where it is sweet, crunchy and moist or it can be cooked by way of steaming or boiling gently until tender, after peeling it used in soups,risottos and various other dishes. 

The flavour of the tuber is sweet and nutty, similar to that of the water chestnut.

Popular varieties of Jerusalem artichoke include, the Fuseau- a large, smooth skinned cultiver which is easy to peel and the Dwarf Sunray which has long smooth skinned tubers.

Other names for the Jerusalem artichoke are Sunchoke, Sunroot, Topinambour and Earth apple.