Jerusalem artichoke is still a relatively unknown vegetable in this country that is becoming increasingly popular. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Stored correctly, you can stock up on the healthy tuber for several months.

Jerusalem artichokes can be stored in the cellar for weeks

When is Jerusalem artichoke in season?

The tubers of the sunflower-like Jerusalem artichoke plant can be harvested all year round. However, the high season for harvesting is autumn, since at this time of year the tubers are particularly turgid due to the good watering from the autumn rains and the ground is not yet frozen as is often the case in winter, which would make harvesting more difficult.
Like any root vegetable, Jerusalem artichokes can be stored very well. If you observe the following tips, you will always have the delicious vegetables at hand at home.

Store Jerusalem artichoke in sand

Topinambur tubers are optimally stored if they are buried in moist sand. This will keep you for several months. To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Choose uninjured tubers, as Jerusalem artichokes will not keep with cuts or rotten spots.
  2. For example, use a vegetable brush or a nail brush to brush away any soil that has stuck to the Jerusalem artichokes. Leave the roots on the tuber.
  3. Fill a wooden box with damp sand.
  4. Place the Jerusalem artichokes side by side and cover with sand.
  5. Place the box in a cool, shady place, such as the pantry, garage, or garden shed.
  6. Check regularly whether the sand in the box is still wet enough.

Store Jerusalem artichokes in the fridge

The refrigerator is also suitable for short-term storage of Jerusalem artichokes. You should not wash them, as this encourages rot and mold growth. Leave the soil on the tubers, place them in the crisper and cover with a damp kitchen towel. Stored in this way in the refrigerator, Jerusalem artichokes can be kept for about two weeks. Check the tubers carefully for signs of rot before use.

Freeze Jerusalem artichokes

If you want to keep Jerusalem artichokes fresh for up to a year, you can freeze them. Only a few steps are required for this:

  1. Clean, peel and dice the tubers.
  2. Put on a large enough pot and bring salted water to a boil.
  3. Blanch the Jerusalem artichoke cubes in boiling water for about three minutes.
  4. Then drain and chill in ice water.
  5. Now spread the completely cooled Jerusalem artichoke cubes on a wooden board and put it in the freezer for two to three hours. This will prevent them from freezing into a lump.
  6. You can now fill the pre-frozen cubes into freezer bags or sealable freezer containers to save space and put them back in the freezer immediately.
  7. You can now take the required amount from the containers and should use up the supply within a year.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Vegetable garden