Jerusalem artichoke, a vegetable full of benefits
Belonging to the same family as the sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke is a somewhat forgotten root vegetable. Resembling the artichoke, it is easy to prepare it in soup, puree or sautéed in a pan, for example. With its slightly sweet flavor, it can easily replace potatoes. Explanations from Alexandra Murcier, dietitian nutritionist.
Also called “winter artichoke”, Jerusalem artichoke is a forgotten root vegetable, which is however gradually returning to French market stalls, the cultivation of these vegetables having resumed.
“Jerusalem artichoke is one of the interesting foods because it is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also an inexpensive vegetable to buy and produced extensively in Europe. It is therefore easy to find it locally, which is a good point for the planet” explains Alexandra Murcier first. Jerusalem artichokes are in fact grown in soil with little humidity, the tubers of the plant requiring little water.
What is Jerusalem artichoke?
The Jerusalem artichoke is a tuber that grows in the ground, it has the shape of a turnip and appears with a slightly pink-brown color, most of the time but this varies depending on the species. Jerusalem artichoke resembles ginger in shape and its taste is more similar to that of artichoke. Back in recent years after being somewhat forgotten, Jerusalem artichoke tubers are generally planted from mid-February to mid-April, then harvested and consumed.
Jerusalem artichoke is grown for its irregularly shaped, misshapen or smooth tubers, as there are different types. Colors vary from red to beige depending on the different varieties.
In cooking, this tuber is consumed according to different recipes and various cooking methods: in vinaigrette, in puree, in fritters, in soup, fried, stewed. You can also enjoy the tubers raw, grated like carrots.
From a nutritional point of view, Jerusalem artichoke is an ideal vegetable to consume as part of a slimming diet. Indeed, Jerusalem artichoke has a low caloric density. It is therefore possible to consume it in large quantities without taking too many calories and while maintaining a feeling of satiety.
What are the health benefits and virtues of Jerusalem artichoke?
A source of fiber, Jerusalem artichoke is an ally of the intestines whose digestion and transit are somewhat slowed down. Indeed, thanks to its richness in fiber, but also in fructans and inulin, Jerusalem artichoke contains very effective elements to fight against constipation and play the role of prebiotics in the reconstitution of the intestinal flora.
In addition to these initial benefits, Jerusalem artichoke also contains many vitamins, notably group B vitamins except vitamin B12.
Jerusalem artichoke therefore helps our body in all its essential functions such as the production of cells, the functioning of the nervous and immune systems, as well as in healing. These vitamins also play a role in the good health of our nervous system and in particular for the transmission of nerve impulses.
Jerusalem artichoke is also rich in minerals like potassium for good blood pressure and therefore prevents the risk of stroke. Jerusalem artichoke also promotes calcium fixation, provides copper and phosphorus and regulates blood sugar levels, to help fight type 2 diabetes.
Easy to prepare and cook, Jerusalem artichoke is therefore a powerful ally for a healthy and balanced diet!
Slideshow Summary
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Jerusalem artichoke, a vegetable full of benefits
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Jerusalem artichoke, a food rich in potassium
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Jerusalem artichoke, rich in fiber
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Jerusalem artichoke, rich in iron
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Jerusalem artichoke contains phosphorus
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Jerusalem artichoke, a vegetable with low energy density
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Jerusalem artichoke, an antioxidant food
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Jerusalem artichoke, rich in group B vitamins
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Jerusalem artichoke, source of calcium
