Jerusalem Artichokes

Also called sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are the knobbly, earthy tubers of a sunflower relative — not artichokes at all, despite the name!

They have a sweet, nutty, slightly earthy flavour — imagine a cross between a potato and an artichoke heart, with a slight crunch when raw.

They're also nutrient-dense and rich in inulin, a prebiotic fibre that’s great for gut health.

Fair warning: inulin can cause a bit of gas for some people — best to start with small servings until your tummy adjusts!

How to Clean & Prep

Because they grow underground, sunchokes can be a bit muddy and knobbly:

  1. Soak in water for 5 minutes to loosen the dirt.
  2. Scrub thoroughly under running water with a veg brush.
  3. You can peel them — but it’s fiddly. Most people leave the skins on for extra fibre and flavour.

4 Easy Ways to Cook with Jerusalem Artichokes

1. Roast Them (Most Popular!)

  • Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and extras like garlic or rosemary.
  • Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30–40 mins until golden and crispy on the outside, creamy inside.
  • They caramelise beautifully — little nuggets of gold!
  • Try roasting them with carrots, parsnips, or kūmara for a delicious root veg medley.

2. Make Soup

  • Sauté onion and garlic in butter or oil.
  • Add sliced sunchokes + a diced potato for creaminess.
  • Cover with stock, simmer until tender.
  • Blend until silky smooth. Finish with a splash of cream or drizzle of olive oil.
  • Earthy, comforting, and elegant.

3. Eat Them Raw

  • Slice super thin (like radish-thin) and toss into salads.
  • Great with lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and shaved Parmesan.
  • Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness.

4. Sauté or Stir-Fry

  • Slice and cook in a hot pan with a little oil and herbs.
  • They brown quickly and stay slightly crisp — delicious and easy.

Also great mashed, or layered into gratin dishes — so comforting!

Where are they from?

Our Jerusalem Artichokes are grown by the incredibly talented Ben from @petitjardinbayview.

Ben runs a one-man organic market garden in Bay View’s unique microclimate. His produce also features at @chantalshopnapier and he’s behind much of the beautiful, fresh veg in your Mai Kai box.

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