Topinambur

Topinambur (also known as Jerusalem artichoke, sunroot, sunchoke, or earth apple) is a species of sunflower native to central North America. It is also cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable.

Description

Topinambur is a perennial plant growing to 1.5–3 m (4 ft 11 in–9 ft 10 in) tall with opposite leaves on the upper part of the stem but alternate below. The leaves have a rough, hairy texture. The flowers are yellow and produced in capitate flowerheads, which are 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets.

Cultivation and uses

The tubers are elongated and uneven, typically 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) long and 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) thick, and vaguely resembling ginger root, with a crisp texture when raw. They vary in color from pale brown to white, red, or purple.

Topinambur is cultivated for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable. It is a versatile, sustainable, and highly nutritious food source, often used in a similar way to potatoes. It has a similar consistency, and in its raw form has a similar texture, but a sweeter, nuttier flavor; raw and sliced thinly, it's fit for a salad.

Nutrition

Topinambur is rich in iron, potassium, and thiamin. It is also a source of dietary fiber and contains a small amount of protein. It is low in calories and fat, and its carbohydrate content is complex carbohydrate, or inulin, which is a good source of prebiotics.

History

The French explorer Samuel de Champlain discovered the Topinambur at Cape Cod in 1605. He sent samples of the plant to France, noting its taste was similar to an artichoke. The name "Topinambur", which is used in Italy, Germany, and other European countries, comes from the name of the Brazilian tribe, the Tupinambá, due to a confusion with another plant from Brazil.

See also

• List of vegetables
• Helianthus tuberosus
• Inulin
• Samuel de Champlain