In America Jerusalem artichokes are called ‘sunchokes’, which gives a hint as to the plant’s main characteristic. Like its relation, the sunflower or girasol, of which the vegetable’s name is said to be a corruption, the Jerusalem artichoke is heliotropic, growing towards the sun.
Although their irregular shape means that there is a good deal of waste, the unique, slightly sweet, nutty flavour of Jerusalem artichokes makes them well worth the small effort needed to deal with them.