Sun chokes

This weekend has been spent in the garden. With autumn here there is so much to do before the cold sets in properly. In South Canterbury Jack Frost has already visited. Because we are sheltered, it will only be a matter of time before my garden dies down for winter.

Jerusalem artichokes or sun chokes, Helianthus tuberosus, are a member of the sunflower family and we grow them for their tubers. They are great planted at the edge of vege beds. The pollinators love them and they are magnificent at 3-4m tall. Mine have just had a touch of frost at the top over the weekend but were glorious last week. Their flowers follow the sun just like sunflowers do. They can be invasive if you leave them be.

The roots are earthy, nutty, tasty tubers that are known for causing flatulence for some people. They are high in inulin, which is great for metabolism. They are also a rich source of fibre, vitamin A, potassium and iron.

I like my sun chokes best in pumpkin soup where their natural sweetness mixes well with the naturally sweet pumpkin. How do you like yours?