Jerusalem Artichoke

Origin country

Croatia

Origin region

Zagreb County

Quantity available

500 kg

Courier delivery

Yes

Jerusalem artichoke (*Helianthus tuberosus*) is a perennial plant from the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Like the sunflower, it grows very tall, even over 3 meters. The stem is upright and hairy. The leaves are elongated, pointed at the tip, and covered in fine hairs. The flower heads are yellow and resemble sunflowers but are significantly smaller—about 7-8 cm in diameter. Underground, it forms tubers that look very much like small ginger. It originates from North America and has been present in Europe since the 17th century. The earliest records for Croatia date back to the early 19th century. In some places, it forms dense clusters in moist areas.

It is very low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and thrives even in poor-quality sandy or gravelly soil. However, it prefers well-drained, moist soil. It overwinters without issue. If planted outdoors, it’s a good idea to protect it from strong winds, as the stems can bend over. Harvesting occurs in late autumn, throughout winter, and until new shoots begin to grow in spring. In the garden, slugs love to eat it.

The tubers are edible—they are crisp and have a mild flavor. Once dug up, they should be consumed quickly, as they do not stay fresh for long. They are best eaten raw, though they are often cooked. Rich in inulin, they are beneficial for diabetics.

Young leaves are also edible.