From Plot to Pot: Tiny Jerusalem Artichokes and the Truth About “Windy” Veg! 🌻🥔💨
I unearthed a few very small Jerusalem artichokes from the plot recently. They were only a couple of centimetres across, which raised an obvious question:
Are tiny Jerusalem artichokes worth eating?
The answer is an emphatic yes!
Small but Mighty
In fact, smaller Jerusalem artichokes are often:
🌱 Sweeter than larger tubers
🌱 More tender
🌱 Quicker to cook
🌱 Less fiddly to prepare
When they are only a few centimetres across, there’s usually no need to peel or chop them. Just give them a good scrub and they’re ready to go.
How to Store Them
If you’re not using them straight away:
- Store unwashed in the fridge.
- Keep them in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in kitchen paper inside a plastic bag.
- They should keep for around one to two weeks.
A Simple Plot-to-Pot Recipe
Gentle Roasted Mini Jerusalem Artichokes
Ingredients
- A handful of tiny Jerusalem artichokes
- 1–2 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: thyme or rosemary
Method
- Wash and scrub the artichokes well.
- Optional but recommended: parboil for 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and toss with olive oil and salt.
- Roast at 200°C for 10–15 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.
- Serve warm.
The result is a lovely nutty, slightly sweet flavour somewhere between potato, chestnut and artichoke.
The Windy Reputation… Is It True?
Jerusalem artichokes have earned nicknames such as “fartichokes”, and unfortunately there is some truth behind the joke! 😄
They contain a carbohydrate called inulin, which we can’t fully digest. Instead, it reaches the large intestine where our gut bacteria ferment it, producing gas.
How to Reduce the Effects
💨 Start by eating only a few.
💨 Cook them thoroughly.
💨 Briefly parboil before roasting.
💨 Enjoy them as part of a meal rather than in a huge portion.
Many people find their digestive system adapts over time.
A Final Thought
Jerusalem artichokes are one of those wonderfully quirky allotment crops. They are easy to grow, productive, attractive when in flower, and can provide a tasty harvest when little else is available.
And if your harvest happens to consist of just a handful of tiny tubers?
Don’t be disappointed. Sometimes the smallest treasures from the plot are the tastiest ones—just perhaps enjoy them in moderation the first time! 🌻🥔✨