It is from the Compositae family. Its homeland is the American continent. It was brought to Europe in the seventeenth century and spread to many places from there. It is a perennial, durable herbaceous plant that is also grown abundantly in our country. Its above-ground parts, which can grow up to 1.5 m, resemble sunflowers. However, its leaves and flowers are smaller.
Its green, oval-shaped, thin, long leaves have pointed tips. Its golden yellow flowers, 5-7.5 cm in diameter, bloom between August and November and resemble large yellow daisies. The part of the plant that interests us the most is its beige, pink-orange or light brown tuber roots that resemble potatoes. Jerusalem artichoke, which grows in sunny places and in all types of soil with good drainage (drainage), is cultivated mostly in poor soils.
Since the tiny tubers left in the soil after the product is harvested germinate again the following year, it becomes difficult for other types of plants to grow in the same place. However, since the Jerusalem artichoke plant can withstand growing in the same soil for years, this situation of covering the soil does not cause any problems for the field owner. The plant, which does not require any maintenance and is very easy to grow, is propagated by seeds or by dividing the tubers.
The taste of the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke is similar to that of artichoke. The substance called inulin, which gives this taste, is found in high amounts. The sweet roots of Jerusalem artichoke, which do not contain starch and have almost zero calories, are a very good food and are also recommended for diabetics. The stems and leaves of the plant are good animal feed. In addition, ethanol (i.e. ethyl alcohol or simply alcohol) is obtained by fermenting the tubers of the plant. The plant, which is easy to grow and produces products in nine months of the year (fall, winter and spring) even in the poorest soil, contains alcohol, suggesting that it can be used as an energy source in the future.
The medicinal effects of Jerusalem artichoke and the methods of using them can be listed as follows:
1. It is a food that is always recommended for diabetics because it increases the body's resistance and does not increase blood sugar.
2. It increases milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
3. It is a diuretic and accelerates the functioning of the kidneys.
4. It increases bile flow.
5. It has a laxative effect.
6. It beautifies the skin.
7. It is claimed to have aphrodisiac effects.
We do not prescribe any medicine here, as we can obtain these beneficial effects by eating plenty of the plant's tubers. Our wish is that Jerusalem artichoke, which can be eaten in hot and cold dishes, is often included in our daily diet, just like potatoes.
