The New Complete Book of Food



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r Artichoke,

Jerusalem

(Sunchoke)

Nutritional Profile

Energy value (calories per serving): Low

Protein: Moderate

Fat: Low

Saturated fat: Low

Cholesterol: None

Carbohydrates: High

Fiber: High

Sodium: Moderate

Major vitamin contribution: Folate, vitamin C

Major mineral contribution: Potassium

About the Nutrients in This Food

Jerusalem artichokes are the edible roots of a plant related to the American

sunflower. They store carbohydrates as inulin, a complex carbohydrate

(starch) made of units of fruit sugar (fructose). Right after the Jerusalem

artichoke is dug up, it tastes bland and starchy. After it has been stored for a

while, the starches turn to sugars, so the artichoke tastes sweet. Jerusalem

artichokes are high in fiber with the B vitamin folate, vitamin C, and iron.

One-half cup raw sliced Jerusalem artichoke has one gram dietary

fiber, 10 mcg folate (2.5 percent of the adult RDA), 3 mcg vitamin C (4

percent of the RDA for a woman, 3 percent of the RDA for a man), and

2.5 mg iron (14 percent of the RDA for a woman, 32 percent of the RDA

for a man).

The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food

Sliced and served raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable side dish.