The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat Jerusalem artichoke. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What Jerusalem artichoke etiquette is

Jerusalem artichoke etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat Jerusalem artichoke. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve Jerusalem artichoke to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat Jerusalem artichoke at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

how to serve and eat jerusalem artichoke

What you should know about Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke, also known as sunchoke, is a root vegetable that belongs to the sunflower family. It is native to North America and has a nutty and sweet flavor.

Jerusalem artichokes have a knobby and uneven shape, similar to ginger. They are beige or brown in color with thin skin that can be eaten. The texture is crisp and crunchy, similar to a water chestnut, and the flavor is sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat Jerusalem artichoke

1) How to store Jerusalem artichoke

Store Jerusalem artichokes in a cool and dry place, ideally at around 32-40°F (0-4°C). You can store them in the pantry for up to a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, and in the freezer for up to six months. When storing them in the fridge, place them in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.

Store sliced or cooked Jerusalem artichokes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

2) How to clean Jerusalem artichoke

To clean Jerusalem artichokes, scrub them with a brush under running water. There are no known risks associated with cleaning Jerusalem artichokes.

Jerusalem artichokes that have gone bad will have a soft and mushy texture and may also have a foul odor.

3) How to prepare & cook Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten raw or cooked. To prepare them for cooking, peel and slice them into desired shapes. Common ways to cook Jerusalem artichokes include roasting, sautéing, boiling, and steaming. Any utensils can be used for cooking Jerusalem artichokes.

Jerusalem artichokes are a common ingredient in soups, stews, purees, and roasted dishes.

Jerusalem artichokes can be used in salads and sandwiches, and can also be juiced, and made into smoothies, jam, or preserves. They are suitable for vegan, keto, and paleo diets.

4) How to serve & present Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichokes can be appropriate for both formal and informal meals. You can eat them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. You can serve them as a side dish, main course, or appetizer.

Serve Jerusalem artichokes on a plate or in a bowl. Present them with any serving tools.

Serve Jerusalem artichokes with herbs, spices, and seasonings such as garlic, thyme, and rosemary.

5) Food and wine to pair Jerusalem artichoke with

Avoid pairing Jerusalem artichokes with citrus fruits.

Jerusalem artichokes go well with goat cheese and sour cream. Avoid them with strong-flavored cheeses such as blue cheese.

Jerusalem artichokes pair well with chicken and pork. It is best to avoid them with red meats such as beef. They also pair well with mild white fish such as cod and halibut.

Jerusalem artichokes pair well with white wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, as well as light red wines such as Pinot Noir. Avoid pairing them with heavy red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon. They can also be paired with sparkling wine, beer, or spirits.

6) How to eat Jerusalem artichoke

You can eat Jerusalem artichokes with a fork and knife or with your fingers. You can eat the whole Jerusalem artichoke, including the skin.

Jerusalem artichoke etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common Jerusalem artichoke etiquette mistakes:

  • 8/10. Not properly cleaning Jerusalem artichokes.
  • 6/10. Serving Jerusalem artichokes raw, without cooking them.
  • 6/10. Not providing the proper utensils.

Additional information for properly serving Jerusalem artichoke

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

Jerusalem artichokes are relatively low in calories. A single medium-sized Jerusalem artichoke contains about 110 calories, while 100 grams of Jerusalem artichoke contains around 73 calories.

How to buy the best Jerusalem artichoke

A crucial factor in Jerusalem artichoke etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Jerusalem artichoke is generally available from late fall through early spring. The best season to buy Jerusalem artichokes is in the winter months, when they are at their peak freshness.

Choose the best

The most common way to find Jerusalem artichokes in commerce is as fresh whole vegetables. They can also sometimes be available canned, frozen, or pickled.

There are several popular varieties of Jerusalem artichoke, including the Fuseau, which is the most widely grown variety, and the Red Fuseau, which has reddish skin and a slightly sweeter taste. Other varieties include the Stampede, White Fuseau, and Chinese artichoke.

When buying Jerusalem artichoke, look for tubers that are firm, free from blemishes, and have smooth skin. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or have sprouted eyes.

Alternatives to Jerusalem artichoke

Some common alternatives to Jerusalem artichoke include potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.

Resources

  • Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a medicinal plant and its natural products: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov