Jerusalem artichoke with stevia benefit and harm. Nutritional value and calories

Jerusalem artichoke is still a rare plant in Russian gardens. Many vegetable growers are in no hurry to plant it, giving their preference to potatoes. But such an attitude towards this vegetable is undeserved, because it is very useful and even exhibits medicinal qualities. Learn about such a wonderful plant as Jerusalem artichoke, its benefits and harms to the body, as well as its medicinal properties.

Jerusalem artichoke is a tall perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, the closest relative of the sunflower. This is reflected even in its official name - tuberous sunflower. Indeed, outwardly Jerusalem artichoke resembles a sunflower, and its leaves have a similar aroma.

The homeland of the Jerusalem artichoke is North America, where it still grows wild, occupying vast areas south of the Great Lakes. The plant came to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century, in Russia it appeared in the same century and was first used not as a vegetable, but as a medicinal plant. It was given the name "ground pear" because of the pear-shaped tubers.

Jerusalem artichoke is a highly attractive plant for vegetable growing. It is very unpretentious, able to grow in any soil, in any climatic conditions - both in the south and in the north of Russia. However, in regions of risky farming, it is grown for the sake of green mass, which goes to silage.

The cultivated Jerusalem artichoke plant, depending on the variety, has 1 or several tall (up to 4 m) and powerful stems branching in the upper part. They have many heart-shaped, elongated, rough leaves. Jerusalem artichoke flowers are small baskets with yellow petals, reminiscent of sunflowers, only much smaller in diameter. The plant blooms in August or September, but rarely forms fruits, since they do not have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.

Jerusalem artichoke roots are powerful, branched, penetrating deep into the soil. Stolons grow from the underground part of the stem, on which tubers of various colors, sizes, and, accordingly, masses are formed - from 10 to 150-200 g. They are dense and juicy, but covered with a thin and fragile skin, therefore, extracted from the soil, they do not stored - after a month of storage, they begin to either dry or rot. This is precisely the main drawback of the earthen pear, so the tubers are dug up only in autumn and early spring, as soon as the snow melts. There is no point in harvesting later, because the tubers begin to germinate and become fibrous.

Nutritional value and calories

To taste, raw pear tubers are similar to a turnip or cabbage stalk, but they have a characteristic taste and smell. The chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke contains:

• proteins - 2 g;
• carbohydrates - 17.4 g (including inulin);
• fats - 0.1 g;
• water - 78 g;
• organic acids - 0.1 g;
• fiber - 1.6 g.

Vitamins are presented:

• retinol (A) and carotene (1 μg and 0.012 mg);
• thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) (2 mg and 0.06 mg);
• choline (B4) and pantothenic acid (B5) (30 mg and 0.4 mg);
• pyridoxine (B6) and folates (B9) (0.08 mg and 13 mcg);
• ascorbic acid (C) and tocopherol (E) (4 mg and 0.2 mg);
• nicotinic acid (PP) and phylloquinone (K) (1.3 mg and 0.1 µg).

There are also macro- and microelements in Jerusalem artichoke. These are potassium and phosphorus (429 mg and 78 mg), magnesium and calcium (17 mg and 14 mg), sodium, iron (4 mg and 3.4 mg), zinc and manganese (0.12 mg and 0.06 mg) , copper and selenium (140 and 0.7 mcg).

The nutritional value of the vegetable lies in easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, Jerusalem artichoke fiber, which, when it enters the intestines, improves its work. The calorie content of an earthen pear, like all vegetables, is low - only 73 kcal. Therefore, even overweight people are allowed to eat its tubers, not to mention those who have normal weight.

What is useful Jerusalem artichoke for the body

Jerusalem artichoke is known for its ability to improve the condition of patients with many diseases. It is also valuable for the polysaccharide inulin, which regulates metabolism and is beneficial for intestinal health. But the benefits of Jerusalem artichoke are not limited to this. It can be used by both completely healthy people and those who are sick, but want to improve their health.

For men

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke tubers for the male half of humanity are obvious. Zinc, which is part of this vegetable, plays an important role in maintaining the health of the genitourinary system. It takes part in the production of spermatozoa, increasing their activity and vitality, increases potency, and prevents diseases of the prostate gland.

Potassium, which is abundant in Jerusalem artichoke, regulates water, acid and electrolyte balance, normalizes pressure and conduction of nerve impulses, improves heart function, and normalizes its rhythm. Therefore, an earthen pear is useful for men with hypertension, tachycardia, vascular atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease. To introduce the daily norm of potassium macronutrient into the body, it is enough to eat 300 g of tubers per day.

Thiamine is part of the enzymes of energy and carbohydrate metabolism, so the use of Jerusalem artichoke will be useful for those men who live actively, work physically, go in for sports. Deficiency of vitamin B1 leads to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous tissue, heart and blood vessels, and the digestive tract. Jerusalem artichoke tubers will also be useful for those who are engaged in mental work, as they stimulate mental activity.

For women

Root crops of an earth pear will be useful also to women. Their regular consumption of food will help ladies avoid cancer, especially tumors of the breast and uterus, problems with the genitourinary organs, and obesity. Iron, which is part of the tubers and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke, prevents anemia, muscle atony, myocardiopathy, increased fatigue, ensures the normal course of recovery and oxidation reactions in the body.

The beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke can be added to improve vision, maintain teeth, skin, nails and hair in excellent condition, increase mental stability in stressful situations, normalize mood, treat endocrine and skin diseases.

The vegetable will be useful for women suffering from hypertension, vegetovascular dystonia with tachycardia, and other pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. It will help to avoid or eliminate swelling in diseases of the kidneys and heart, salt deposits, can improve the condition of gout, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Tuber gruel is used to prepare masks that rejuvenate and brighten the skin of the face and body, and from the roots - to treat acne, eczema, vitiligo.

For children

Jerusalem artichoke tubers are also useful for children, especially in autumn and winter as a good source of vitamins. They are rich in complete protein, which is necessary for the growing body of children as a building material for tissue and organ cells. Children and adolescents who eat ground pear are less likely to get colds, they have a good appetite, and at the same time there are no problems with digestion.

In children who suffer from gastritis and colitis, Jerusalem artichoke relieves inflammation of the gastric mucosa, promotes the speedy healing and restoration of the mucosa, normalizes the acidity of its juice, eliminates heartburn and flatulence. With dysbacteriosis, the vegetable inhibits the growth of pathological intestinal microflora, promotes the reproduction of beneficial ones, enhances intestinal peristalsis, eliminating constipation, and prevents toxins from accumulating on their walls. With low hemoglobin, dishes from it will help restore the level of this important protein and prevent the development of anemia. Jerusalem artichoke is believed not to accumulate nitrates, pesticides and other harmful agrochemicals, so even the smallest children can eat it.

Jerusalem artichoke for weight loss

Ground pear is a low-calorie product, therefore it is very useful for weight loss. If you eat fresh or heat-treated tubers as often as possible, then you can hope that the weight will return to normal. And in order to lose weight at any time of the year, and not only in spring and autumn, when fresh tubers are available, you can use dried Jerusalem artichoke, the effect of which is no worse.

Is it possible to eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Jerusalem artichoke has no contraindications for use during childbearing and breastfeeding. Expectant mothers can use it in any quantity, fresh or processed. During pregnancy, an earthen pear will be useful as a vitamin product and a mild natural laxative. Jerusalem artichoke has properties to stimulate the immune system, increases resistance to infections and diseases. Beneficial effect on the body of mother and child.

Also Jerusalem artichoke:

• improves bowel function and restores its microflora;
• reduces the feeling of hunger;
• eliminates heartburn;
• increases hemoglobin in the blood;
• normalizes metabolic processes.

Medicines from Jerusalem artichoke, in the absence of contraindications, can be used at any stage of pregnancy, however, only after consulting a doctor. It will help you choose the optimal dosage of drugs.

Medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke and instructions for its use

The ground pear is well known in medicine. Due to its unique medicinal properties, Jerusalem artichoke is successfully used in the treatment of a number of diseases and for preventive purposes. Preparations based on it are prepared not only from tubers, but also from leaves and inflorescences of plants. Fresh or dried raw materials are taken as starting material. When properly harvested, it does not lose its value.

Jerusalem artichoke is useful for people with any type of diabetes due to the inulin and fiber it contains. In the insulin-dependent form of the disease, the polysaccharide performs the substitution functions of glucose, thus reducing blood sugar, but at the same time fully provides the cells with the energy they need. It stimulates the synthesis of more hormone by the pancreas, helps to remove toxic substances from the body. Inulin is found in high concentration in Jerusalem artichoke powder, which is produced by the industry.

Long-term use of Jerusalem artichoke also prevents the development of such complications of diabetes as damage to the lower extremities, blindness, and nephropathy. In case of type 2 disease, Jerusalem artichoke has a restorative, stabilizing and regulating effect. He:

• normalizes metabolic processes;
• normalizes weight;
• puts in order the hormonal background;
• supports the liver, pancreas;
• improves the work of the digestive tract;
• improves well-being and improves tone.

It has also been established that Jerusalem artichoke preparations can significantly reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

To normalize blood sugar levels:

• eat 1 root crop or drink 0.5 cups of Jerusalem artichoke juice 0.5 hours before meals 3 times a day;
• prepare an infusion of 1 liter of boiling water and 4 tbsp. l. cut into small pieces of tubers, insist 3 hours, use as a substitute for tea, do not add sugar.

In diabetes, you can use not only fresh tubers, but also Jerusalem artichoke syrup. It is a vegetable juice concentrated by evaporation, which shows the properties of an excellent sweetener. It does not contain artificial sucrose, but it has a sweet taste, so it can be added to drinks and desserts instead of sugar. For the treatment and prevention of morbidity, syrup can be drunk 1 tbsp. l. 0.5 hour before meals.

For the same purpose, you can use Jerusalem artichoke tea. Preparing it is very simple - you need to take:

• 1.5 st. l. crushed to the state of gruel tubers, put them in a thermos and pour 0.3 liters of boiling water on top. Use 3 times a day for 0.5 hours before meals, 0.1 l.;
• 1 tsp ground pear powder, pour a glass of boiling water. Drink tea 2 times a day.
• 1 st. l. dry leaves pour 0.5 tbsp. water brought to a boil. Drink 3 times a day for 0.1 liters.

Jerusalem artichoke tea is a good adjuvant in the treatment of anemia, atherosclerosis, nervous diseases, salt deposits, and urolithiasis.

Harm and contraindications

Ground pear is a useful plant. In most cases, it can be eaten without harm to the body and strict dosing. Fresh root crops can increase the phenomena of gas formation in people prone to flatulence. But Jerusalem artichoke after heat treatment no longer possesses these properties. If you use a boiled product or add spices such as cumin and coriander to dishes, there will be no problems.

Contraindications to the use of Jerusalem artichoke and medicines from it are:

• individual intolerance to the product;
• hypotension.

For preventive and health purposes, it is enough to consume 50-100 g of raw Jerusalem artichoke tubers for a month 3 times a day before meals.

The plant got its name thanks to the ancient Indian people Tupinambas, who first began to eat it. In the 17th century, Jerusalem artichoke came to Europe and quickly spread throughout the planet.

The appearance of the "earth pear" is similar to the sunflower. Long stems grow up to two to three meters in height, and bright flowering lasts from May to October. The tubers of the plant, resembling potatoes in shape, are eaten. Their surface is bumpy, with a thin transparent skin of white, yellowish or purple hues.

The roots and stems of the plant die off for the winter, and the tubers remain under the soil layers and persist until early spring. Even if you do not care for Jerusalem artichoke, it grows quickly and produces a crop. Tubers are consumed raw and baked, added to salads, stewed with other vegetables and meat.

Nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is a dietary product, although its nutritional value is higher than that of potatoes. Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke are explained by its unique composition and optimal balance of valuable organic substances. One hundred grams of the product has almost no fat (0.01%), contains about three grams of protein, and the amount of carbohydrates is 16 grams. The total nutritional value of raw tubers reaches only 60 calories.

The chemical composition of this natural product surprises with the amount of useful substances. He contains:

• Inulin (about 17%)
• Pectins (11%)
• Amino acids (lysine, valine, phenylalanine, methionine, arginine)
• Organic acids (succinic, malic, fumaric, citric, raspberry)
• Vitamins of groups PP, B, C, carotene
• Valuable trace elements (Zn, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn)

Harm

Jerusalem artichoke: contraindications

Jerusalem artichoke is a healthy and tasty product that, when properly used, not only supplies the body with a considerable amount of vitamins, but also saves a person from unpleasant health problems. Jerusalem artichoke contraindications refer to allergy sufferers who suffer from intolerance to any of its components.

It should also be borne in mind that a huge amount of inulin and fiber is concentrated in the tubers of the plant, which can provoke severe intestinal flatulence. This property is especially manifested if raw tubers are consumed.

In order to avoid such troubles, Jerusalem artichoke should be subjected to any heat treatment before use. You can also use it in combination with fragrant cumin, coriander, spices that prevent the formation of gases in the intestines.

Despite the contraindications of Jerusalem artichoke, it is generally well tolerated by the body and is recommended for use at any age. However, it is better for children under five years old to offer boiled or stewed tubers, since in their raw form it is a rather difficult product to digest.

Benefit

Jerusalem artichoke: useful properties

The value of this plant lies in the extraordinary combination of organic substances that saturate human cells with energy and regulate the vitamin balance of the body. Unlike other plants, the "earth pear" does not accumulate harmful compounds and radioactive elements from the soil. Thanks to this feature, the plant does not produce a toxic effect on the body, and the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke do not change depending on the state of the environment in which it grows.

Jerusalem artichoke is best known as a medicinal plant that is used in diabetes. "Earth pear" has a positive effect on the body and is used to treat such ailments:

• Digestive problems: pancreatitis, dysbacteriosis, gastritis, constipation, colitis. Jerusalem artichoke cleanses the organs of the digestive tract, eliminates bacteria, envelops the mucous membranes, relieves nausea and normalizes the microflora of the digestive system.
• Due to the colossal content of inulin, Jerusalem artichoke is recommended for diabetics. This substance reduces the amount of glucose in the blood and activates the pancreas.
• Ground Pear is an excellent antioxidant. The use of plant tubers is recommended for people living in megacities and polluted regions. They quickly remove heavy metals, harmful compounds and radionuclides accumulated over the years from the body.
• Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke lie in its ability to fight puffiness. The use of this medicinal plant for kidney stones is also shown.
• Jerusalem artichoke has the ability to lower blood pressure, and its use has a positive effect on the entire cardiovascular system.
• During beriberi, Jerusalem artichoke is recommended to use as a means to strengthen the immune system.
• The systematic use of Jerusalem artichoke tubers increases hemoglobin in the blood, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the heart and nervous system, and promotes weight loss.
• Special mixtures and tinctures are prepared from the plant to help in the fight against oncological neoplasms.

Jerusalem artichoke while breastfeeding

Such a valuable product as Jerusalem artichoke must be present in the diet of a nursing mother. It will help her cope with anemia, improve the state of the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system. Fresh ground pear puree will help a woman get rid of constipation in the postpartum period, improve digestion and eliminate swelling.

The beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke for a nursing woman do not end there. It has been proven that the use of natural plant tubers helps a young mother cope with breastfeeding crises and even resume interrupted lactation.

However, a nursing woman should take into account the contraindications of Jerusalem artichoke - it is especially not recommended to use it raw. It is better to introduce boiled, stewed and baked tubers into the diet in order to completely eliminate flatulence and bloating.

How to cook Jerusalem artichoke

Before preparing any dish from the "earth pear", fresh tubers are washed well under cold water, and the thin skin is removed. To get the maximum of vitamins from the fruits, they can not be cleaned - just rub the tubers with a stiff brush. Since the Jerusalem artichoke contains a high concentration of iron, the tubers begin to darken quickly. Therefore, it is better to place them in a container with water acidified with lemon.

In order for the use of Jerusalem artichoke to bring only benefit, and not harm, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its contraindications before the first dose. If there is a feeling of nausea or severe malaise, it is better to stop taking Jerusalem artichoke. It should also be remembered that the “ground pear” cannot be boiled in a bowl made of aluminum or iron!

The tubers of the plant boil well - you can make delicious mashed potatoes, pancakes, stew in sauce or bake in the oven from them. Fruits are perfectly combined with onions, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, herbs and cloves. Jerusalem artichoke can replace potatoes in our usual soups and broths, used in salads and eaten raw.

How to use Jerusalem artichoke

This useful root crop has a beneficial effect on all vital systems of the body, eliminates chronic pathologies and compensates for vitamin deficiency. Depending on the state of health and existing diseases, Jerusalem artichoke fruits can be consumed in various ways:

• To correct the intestinal microflora, it is recommended to introduce fresh tuber juice into the diet. To do this, rub several fruits on the smallest grater and place the resulting slurry in gauze (you can fold it in two layers). Squeeze well, take 1/2 cup of sweetish juice at a time. It is recommended to store Jerusalem artichoke juice in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
• In the fight against spring beriberi, kvass based on Jerusalem artichoke will help. For cooking, it is necessary to grind a few peeled tubers and place them in a 3-liter container (we cover the bottom of a 3-liter jar with Jerusalem artichoke for ? of its volume). Pour warm water and close the container with gauze or linen cut. Insist in a warm place for 4-5 days, take a glass of chilled kvass daily. You can add a slice of rye bread (dried) to speed up the fermentation process, or 1 tbsp. a spoonful of bread rye sourdough. Honey or sugar is added as desired to the finished drink.
• To prepare a decoction of Jerusalem artichoke roots, you need to take three tubers per liter of liquid, peel them and boil for about 20-25 minutes. As a result, you will get a sweetish decoction, which is recommended for anemia, hypertension and pancreatitis.

How to store Jerusalem artichoke

Root crops of the "earthen pear" perfectly tolerate winter frosts, and their beneficial properties are preserved until spring. However, fresh tubers are stored in the refrigerator for a short time - within one month. Fresh Jerusalem artichoke fruits are washed, placed in bags and laid out in the lower compartments of the refrigerator.

Freezing Jerusalem artichoke is suitable for longer storage. You can freeze the whole tubers or grate them, divide them into small portions in bags and place them in the freezer.

Jerusalem artichoke retains its properties well when dried. Before drying, the roots are sorted, washed, cut into thin slices and placed in a shady place. It is important to prevent sunlight and moisture from entering the raw material, otherwise it will be spoiled.

You can dry the Jerusalem artichoke slices in the oven by holding them for 3 hours at a temperature of 50°C. Before such drying, chopped slices of "ground pear" must be boiled in salted water (5-10 minutes). Dry slices of Jerusalem artichoke are stored in a glass container in the refrigerator.

The Jerusalem artichoke is harvested at the end of October. Some root crops are left in the ground to be removed in early spring (before germination). To store large volumes of root crops, they are dug out along with the soil and stored in the basement in a container with moist soil.

Jerusalem artichoke, or earthen pear, is not only tasty, but also an extremely healthy root crop, which is undeservedly deprived of the attention of modern summer residents. Due to its unpretentiousness, endurance and high yield, it can be grown even in the zone of the so-called risky farming.

In addition, unlike other root crops, Jerusalem artichoke does not accumulate harmful substances during growth, but it contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and organic acids. To taste, an earthen pear can be compared with a turnip or a cabbage stump.

When growing, this crop will not require unnecessary trouble and additional measures, which will significantly save time, and simple care will be possible even for those gardeners who are contraindicated in prolonged physical activity. In a small summer cottage, where every piece of land is almost worth its weight in gold, this beautiful giant will serve as an ornamental crop or green hedge in the summer, and with the onset of autumn it will delight you with a rich harvest of healthy root crops.

In this issue of the magazine, we will consider the features of growing Jerusalem artichoke, give recommendations from experts and advice from experienced vegetable growers, and also dwell in more detail on the beneficial properties of the ground pear and its use in traditional medicine and cooking.

Tuberous sunflower is a tall perennial herbaceous plant from the Astrov family. It is also called an earthen pear, barabol, Jerusalem artichoke, bulba or bulba. However, the most common name is Jerusalem artichoke.

The plant has a well-developed root system, forming a number of tubers. Depending on the variety, they can be colored yellow,

white, purple or red. To taste, an earthen pear resembles a turnip or a cabbage stump.

A powerful erect stem with a height of 40 cm to 4 m branches upwards and is able to withstand strong winds. The bright green foliage has an elongated ovoid shape with a serrate-toothed edge, growing in order of priority. Jerusalem artichoke flowers reach a diameter of 10 cm, yellow in the middle, yellow-gold at the edges. On one plant from August to October blooms, as a rule, from 10 to 15 flowers. The fruit has the appearance of a small achene.

This unpretentious culture can grow almost everywhere: in fields, on roadsides, in wastelands and in river valleys. Jerusalem artichoke, like many other vegetable crops, prefers well-lit and fertile lands, but is also able to grow on poor shaded soils.

Currently, there are more than 300 varieties and hybrids of this plant: they can differ in the amount of green mass, a large yield of tubers, as well as a special decorative effect.

By the way

Raw Jerusalem artichoke has a sweetish taste, vaguely reminiscent of the taste of nuts, and the thermally processed root vegetable tastes like mushrooms.

At home - in North America - this root crop can still be found in vast areas in the wild today. In some European countries, in Japan and Australia, Jerusalem artichoke also grows almost everywhere - like a weed.

In Belarus and Russia, Jerusalem artichoke is most often cultivated in household plots for the purpose of eating - since the crop of this crop is not subject to long-term storage.

Jerusalem artichoke owes its name to the North American Tupinamba tribe. In the 16th century, its representatives (along with the fruits of the plant) were brought by ship to France. The French, without thinking twice, dubbed the new vegetable tupinambus, which eventually "turned" into Jerusalem artichoke. Soon the British learned about the unusual root crop. And the rest of the world “got acquainted” with the earthen pear only in the 19th century.

The Dutch and Belgians liked the vegetable, who grew tubers and boiled them with butter in wine - like the “bottoms” of artichokes. For this reason, in Belgium, the Jerusalem artichoke was even called the underground artichoke.

Our ancestors began to grow Jerusalem artichoke for medicinal purposes - as a cure for heart disease. And only much later, the ground pear began to be considered in Rus' as a vegetable crop. Moreover, initially only rich and noble people could enjoy such a delicacy. In our country, Jerusalem artichoke got its names - earthen apple, Canadian potato and Volga turnip.

Today, Jerusalem artichoke is grown for food (tubers can be eaten raw, fried, boiled or stewed, pickled, dried, and even added to drinks), as a fodder crop (the nutritious grassy part of the ground pear is used for the production of silage and feed for livestock and poultry, hunting farms harvest Jerusalem artichoke for winter feeding of forest animals), in beekeeping (to maintain honey collection), as well as to decorate a summer cottage or personal plot. Due to its beneficial properties, earth pear is used as a medicinal plant that alleviates the condition in various ailments.

To grow this plant with your own hands, you can purchase seeds or several tubers. In the future, the earth pear will not require special care: this crop does not need not only top dressing, but also weeding - such a giant easily displaces any weeds. At the same time, one Jerusalem artichoke bush is able to produce from one to two buckets of healthy and tasty tubers, and bright yellow flowers resembling sunflowers will decorate any flower garden. And yet, growing in a dense wall, earthen pear bushes are able to protect crops of other crops from the winds.

Jerusalem artichoke does not need transplants: it is able to grow and produce crops in one place for three to four decades.

TOPINAMBUR: LANDING AND CARE

Jerusalem artichoke is grown both in open ground and in containers. Jerusalem artichoke is planted in open ground before winter (about 2 weeks before the onset of stable cold weather) or in spring (when the soil warms up well). Most often, an earthen pear is propagated vegetatively - by tubers, their parts or eyes, but this culture can also be grown from seeds. True, the generative reproduction of Jerusalem artichoke is a long and painstaking process, requiring special knowledge and skills, so breeders most often resort to it.

The earthen pear tolerates both autumn and spring planting equally well. It is only important to remember that whole tubers are planted in the ground in autumn, and in the spring, when planting, they can be divided into several parts.

Advice

For planting Jerusalem artichoke, it is best to take a well-lit area, remote from other plants, so that the bush, often reaching a height of 3 m, does not obscure them. Experienced vegetable growers advise placing pear bushes around the perimeter of the garden or along the fence.

By the way

Best of all, according to experts, the ground pear takes root if planted in the fall: in September-October, but no later than the end of October. However, if moles or mice settled on the site, it is more reasonable to plant Jerusalem artichoke tubers in the spring so that rodents do not have time to eat them.

In autumn, planting is carried out, as a rule, 15-20 days before the onset of frost, in spring - after the snow has melted and the soil warms up to 16-18 ° C. In our climatic zone, this period falls on the second half of April - the first days of May.

Seed propagation of Jerusalem artichoke is used quite rarely and is suitable for breeding new varieties (for example, when buying material by mail). To get a full-fledged crop of earth pear from seeds, you will have to wait several years. When planting seeds in the first year, it is better to grow plants in containers, in this case, weak sprouts or bushes can be obtained over the summer. In the spring, young root crops are dug up and transplanted into the soil.

The beds for planting Jerusalem artichoke are prepared in advance: for winter planting - two to three weeks in advance. If you decide to plant Jerusalem artichoke in the spring, you still need to start preparing the soil in the fall. The area reserved for Jerusalem artichoke is dug up to the depth of a shovel bayonet, choosing the rhizomes of perennial weeds and adding compost. Simultaneously with digging, organic fertilizers can be applied to the soil (for example, manure, which will pereperet well over the winter and become an excellent top dressing for earth pear), and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied directly upon planting.

Jerusalem artichoke is an unpretentious plant and can grow on any soil, but it is not recommended to plant tubers in flooded soil or in an area with a close occurrence of groundwater - in this case they will rot.

On a note

The best place to place a tall Jerusalem artichoke will be the area near the fence, on the leeward side.

In this case: embossed green backstage and bright flowers of Jerusalem artichoke will brighten up the monotony of the fence;

• plants will not interfere with the growth of other inhabitants of the garden;
• near fence posts, it is easy to provide for fastening supports for tying high stems of Jerusalem artichoke so that they do not break.

It is worth noting that choosing a "place of residence" for Jerusalem artichoke is a simple task. This crop does not impose special requirements on the mechanical composition and fertility of the soil, the only exceptions are solonchaks and excessively dense clay soils. However, it is best to grow and bear fruit earth pear on sandy, slightly alkaline or neutral soils (pH ranging from b to 7.5 units).

The Jerusalem artichoke will like the site, where annual grasses, grains and legumes were grown before. Good predecessors for this plant are potatoes, cucumbers and cabbage. But the soils on which carrots and sunflowers used to grow should be avoided - there is a high risk of infecting Jerusalem artichoke with the same ailments and pests that its predecessors had. It is not recommended to plant plants in a garden where strawberries have recently grown, and vice versa. Corn, potatoes, raspberries and currants are best suited as neighbors for an earthen pear.

On a note

Since Jerusalem artichoke well saturates the soil with useful substances and removes salts from it, in order to restore the fertile properties of the soil, it is often planted after sunflowers and other “heavy” crops for the earth. However, in such conditions, a rich harvest of earthen pears can not be expected.

Having prepared the beds for planting, it is necessary to deal with planting material. First of all, large (about 6-8 cm) and healthy tubers without damaged eyes and putrefactive spots are selected for planting. They must have multiple buds. Only from such planting material will strong plants grow, giving a good harvest of tubers.

If there is not enough planting material, Jerusalem artichoke tubers can be cut into several parts immediately before planting. However, let us pay attention again: such a technique is allowed only during spring planting.

I do not allocate separate beds for Jerusalem artichoke, since this culture feels quite comfortable in any free space on the site (for example, along the fence). Pear bushes (which reach a height of 2 m or more) can perfectly disguise a compost heap. The only condition is to avoid too wet places, especially those where rainwater accumulates. If these nuances are not taken into account, in a particularly rainy year, plants may even die.

Tatiana BUDNIK

Tubers that have wilted or dried out can be "reanimated". To do this, pour warm water into the bucket, immerse the planting material in it, cover the container with a damp cloth and leave for 10 minutes.

Planting material can be sprayed with any immunocytophytic solution that will strengthen the immunity of plants, protect them from diseases and accelerate growth, or you can soak overnight in a solution of the Zircon preparation (at the rate of 1 ml of the preparation per 1 liter of water).

Prepared tubers are planted in prepared grooves at a distance of at least 40 cm from each other. The planting depth directly depends on the size of the root: small tubers are lowered into the ground by 5-7 cm, larger specimens by 10-15 cm. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact that autumn planting should be somewhat deeper than spring. The recommended row spacing is 60-70 cm.

Advice

So that the roots of Jerusalem artichoke do not grow in breadth, along the perimeter of the hole, you need to dig in the old slate to a depth of 50 cm.

Advice

In order for the Jerusalem artichoke tubers to be well formed, the place for planting should be chosen illuminated, with a little shading.

It is extremely important to adhere to such gaps between individual bushes and rows, since during the summer months the Jerusalem artichoke plants

can reach a height of 3 m or more, creating a solid wall of strong, densely leafy stems on the beds, which will seriously complicate the care of the earthen pear.

The landing site is compacted, watered abundantly and leveled with a rake. During autumn planting, the bed can be mulched with fallen leaves.

As for caring for an earthen pear, it is quite simple. After the appearance of sprouts, weed the bed and loosen the soil well. And to do these procedures in the future you need three times with an interval of 2 weeks.

As a rule, an earthen pear does fine without additional watering, being content with rain moisture. However, in dry weather, the plants will need additional watering: once every 1-1.5 weeks at the rate of 10 to 15 liters of settled water.

With excessive moisture and frequent planting, Jerusalem artichoke can be affected by various types of rot and slugs, and a lack of moisture leads to inhibition of metabolic processes, growth retardation, and the formation of small, highly branched tubers. In addition, in drought, the root system of Jerusalem artichoke often suffers from soil pests.

It is important to remember that Jerusalem artichoke should not be watered if the average daily air temperature is below 15 ° C.

As for additional dressings, they are not vital for the earthen pear - this culture can successfully grow on its own. However, to increase productivity and enrich the soil (especially if there is a deficiency of minerals), it can be fertilized. To do this, after the appearance of shoots, wood ash, urea or potash fertilizer are introduced into the soil.

In cultural cultivation, it is recommended to feed Jerusalem artichoke bushes 2-3 times during the growing season: at the beginning of spring (under loosening the soil), granules of mineral fertilizers are applied, which include nitrogen and potassium, and in the second half of summer, the bed is watered with a fermented infusion of green manure herbs. As for organic fertilizers, they feed the ground pear every 2-3 years (while mineral fertilizing is carried out every year).

It is best to fertilize the soil on which the earthen pear grows in three stages:

1. compost while digging the soil;
2. phosphorus-potassium fertilizers during planting;
3. mineral fertilizer during the release of buds.

The best phosphorus-potassium fertilizers for Jerusalem artichoke are dry chicken manure and bone meal.

I do so

If Jerusalem artichoke does not grow well, I feed it with phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizers. If an earthen pear has been growing in one place for several years, in spring and autumn I introduce a mixture of peat and wood ash or rotted manure into the soil (between rows).

When the shoots of an earthen pear reach a height of 20 cm, they can be spudded (like potatoes) and, if possible, fed with urea. Hilling not only improves the taste of Jerusalem artichoke tubers, but also has a positive effect on plant health, and also contributes to high yields. Re-hilling in the middle of summer will help to further increase the yield.

Pay attention to one more nuance that must be taken into account when growing Jerusalem artichoke: an earthen pear should not grow in a heap. Thickened plantings lead to the appearance of small tubers (the plants simply begin to "crush" each other, taking away food and light). They begin thinning when the height of young plants reaches 10 cm. At the same time, experienced gardeners advise adhering to the following indicators: the minimum distance between plants is 45 cm, between rows is 30 cm.

Bushes that have grown to 35-40 cm can be spudded with garden compost. As necessary, the procedure is repeated several times a season.

Plants that have reached a meter height can be tied to strong supports. To do this, plantings are divided into bushes, fenced with wire and attached to vertical poles. You can use ready-made supports for fruit bushes. You can also install 2 support stakes along the edges of the beds with Jerusalem artichoke, stretch a wire or a thin cord between them and tie plants to them so that they are not damaged by wind and rain.

Another important measure that allows the plant to concentrate all its efforts on the formation of tubers is cutting buds. Flowering (and subsequent ripening of seeds) of Jerusalem artichoke inhibits the growth of tubers, so the buds can be painlessly removed. More drastic measures can also be used - for example, cutting bushes to a height of 1.5 m.

Do not rush to cut off the above-ground part of the plant in the fall. The best time for this is November. Up to this point, the Jerusalem artichoke actively absorbs useful elements from the soil so that the tubers left in the ground for the winter can germinate on their own next year. Therefore, if the stems are cut too early, this will reduce the size of the tubers and their yield in the next season.

Having heard about the endurance and unpretentiousness of Jerusalem artichoke, which can grow even on roadsides and wastelands, I, like, probably, many summer residents, made a serious mistake - I let the process of growing an earthen pear take its course. Having planted the tubers in the ground, she “remembered” them only in the fall, when it was time to dig up the crop. Imagine my surprise when, under powerful bushes, I found only a few strongly branched medium-sized tubers. So, no matter how modest the Jerusalem artichoke is in its requests, it is still impossible to do without simple care. Before germination, I carefully loosen the soil to prevent the appearance of a dense moisture and airtight crust on the soil surface, and also do not forget about weeding, removing all weeds. Do not repeat my mistake, remember that this culture is very responsive to care and even with minimal care will please you with a good harvest of healthy root crops!

Svetlana Evseeva, Kashira

You can grow Jerusalem artichoke not only in open ground, but also at home. To do this, an earthen pear is planted in large containers or boxes with nutrient soil.

and obligatory drainage layer. Caring for Jerusalem artichoke in a container is practically no different from caring for plants in the open field. It is only important to ensure regular watering.

For planting Jerusalem artichoke, you need to choose small and even tubers about the size of a chicken egg. I plant in shallow trenches - no deeper than 15 cm. In order for the earthen pear to develop normally in the future, the distance between plants in a row should be within 35-45 cm. After planting, I close the trenches with a rake. A small comb is a must. If you are going to grow Jerusalem artichoke in large quantities, I advise you to stick to the scheme of 40 x 70 cm (in a row and between rows, respectively).

They say that the plant is unpretentious and does not require any care, but in fact: the more attention is paid to agricultural technology, the better the result will be. Yes, the earth pear can grow independently and even show good yields, but by providing the plant with simple care, the fees can be increased several times.

And one more piece of advice. In order to harvest a good harvest of earthen pear tubers in the fall, in early August I cut off some of the plants along with flowers - Jerusalem artichoke bushes should not waste energy and nutrients on flowering and seed ripening. Their main task is to form large healthy rhizomes.

Pavel Pavlovich STESHENOK

DISEASES AND PESTS OF TOPINAMBUR

Jerusalem artichoke most often differs in enviable "health", rarely suffers from diseases and pests, but in order to surely secure the future harvest, it is worth knowing what can threaten it.

White rot (or sclerotinia) forms a felt coating of mold on the stems of the plant. As a result, they get sick, and then covered from the inside with black growths. Infection, as a rule, occurs through the soil. Temperature fluctuations and high humidity contribute to the development of the disease. Plants affected by this disease should be removed from the site as soon as possible and burned.

Alternariosis.

This widespread disease affects all terrestrial parts of the earthen pear. The first symptoms of the disease will be dark brown or lighter spots with a yellowish border on the leaves. With the development of the disease, the spots grow between the veins of the leaf plate, the petioles dry out along with the leaves. The most effective method of combating Alternaria is to treat plants with fungicides at temperatures above 18 °C. Sometimes a single treatment is enough, but it is better to carry out two sprayings with an interval of 10-12 days.

Powdery mildew.

This disease usually affects Jerusalem artichoke in the second half of the growing season. 0 its appearance is signaled by a loose white coating on the upper side of the leaves, which eventually becomes pinkish or turns brown. Affected leaves become brittle and brittle. The spread of the disease is facilitated by hot weather with sharp fluctuations in humidity, as well as an excess of nitrogen in the soil. A good result in the fight against this disease is given by the treatment of Jerusalem artichoke on the leaves with fungicides: Topaz, Baileton, Skor, Topsin, etc. culture.

Concerning garden pests, then the tubers of the earth pear were to the taste of moles, mice, bears and even slugs that settle right in the tubers and eat them from the inside. Scoops, May beetles and their larvae also pose a threat to plantings of Jerusalem artichoke. To combat them, you can use a strong soapy solution, infusions of bitter wormwood or garlic. Against slugs, the soil under the Jerusalem artichoke bushes is sprinkled with dry mustard or tobacco dust, and the pests themselves are collected and destroyed by hand. If the presence of pests on the site is known in advance, when preparing the soil for planting, it is additionally recommended to add the preparations "Foxim" or "Diazonon" to it.

In order to timely detect possible pests and identify diseases, plantings of Jerusalem artichoke should be inspected regularly. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, but the plants wither, lose their leaves or change color - you should be wary, since it is these symptoms that may indicate an infection with a disease or pest activity.

In the first weeks after planting an earth pear, it is imperative to loosen the soil to ensure good aeration, remove weeds from plantings and row spacing. When mass shoots appear (and this is after about 15-25 days), you will need to behave more carefully so as not to damage them, but you cannot stop loosening the soil and removing weeds. By the time the plants reach a height of 40-50 cm, they need to be spudded, and when the height approaches 100 cm, the Jerusalem artichoke bushes will need to be tied up. Since placing a support under each stem is almost impossible, I use wire supports with metal or wooden base posts.

To increase productivity, I take such actions during the flowering of Jerusalem artichoke. First, I continue to hill the plants. Secondly, I cut off the flowers of Jerusalem artichoke so that the plant releases all the juices for the development of tubers. And, finally, I introduce organic fertilizers into the soil (for example, an aqueous solution on green manure).

Vitaly SALKEVICH

SELECTION OF A VARIETY OF TOPINAMBUR

Before choosing a particular variety of this vegetable, you must first answer the question: what will the Jerusalem artichoke crop be used for. In the case of an earthen pear, gardeners, as a rule, do not bother looking for any particular variety, but are happy to take tubers from friends or neighbors in their summer cottage for breeding and grow them. In this way, a "straight" vegetable is distributed throughout a certain region.

Of course, it is suitable for use as food, can act as a healing agent in the treatment and prevention of various ailments, and even be used as an element of landscape design (by the way, a hedge of Jerusalem artichoke bushes will protect the site from neighboring chickens). In a word, such a vegetable performs its main tasks. However, if you want more from an earthen pear, you will have to look for a specific variety.

So, Jerusalem artichoke, which has an increased tuberization, will be an excellent find for those who plan to sell the vegetable or use it to feed animals. A distinctive feature of such varieties is a small green mass.

If the plant is planned to be grown for the manufacture of medicines, preference should be given to varieties in which the yield of tubers is not very high, but the green mass pleases with a large volume.

If you want to create a stylish hedge with the help of an earthen pear, it is better to choose decorative varieties with lush greenery. However, in this case, you should not count on harvesting.

At present, domestic and foreign breeders have bred a large number of Jerusalem artichoke hybrids with improved characteristics. However, work in this direction continues. Its goal is to develop varieties of Jerusalem artichoke with a compact placement of tubers in the soil, since the root system with the nodules formed on it grows both in breadth and in depth. Another priority in breeding work is to increase the thickness of the stem for fodder plant varieties. The third important task is the breeding of zoned varieties of Jerusalem artichoke.

The varieties of Jerusalem artichoke that exist today can be divided into fodder and tuber varieties. The former give a high yield of green mass, but they form few tubers - they are grown on an industrial scale. With tuberous varieties, the opposite is true. Both fodder and tuberous varieties of earthen pears are divided into early ripening and late ripening according to the ripening time.

We invite you to get acquainted with some of the most common varieties of Jerusalem artichoke, among which you can choose the one that is best suited for growing in your summer cottage or garden plot.

By the way

Varieties of Russian selection are widespread: Red, Patat, Bely, Nakhodka, Spindle-shaped, Vadim, Volzhsky 2, Leningradsky. On an industrial scale, high-yielding varieties of Interest and Skorospelka are cultivated. Not so long ago, the Russian State Register of Breeding Achievements was supplemented with a new variety of Jerusalem artichoke - Omsk White.

Volzhsky 2. The plant is tall with a rounded green-brown rough stem. Along it are paired-opposite heart-shaped, slightly pubescent green leaves. Flower basket flat, rounded, pubescent. Flowers are rich yellow. Tubers pear-shaped, white, with a slight purple tint, develop on shortened stolons. The root system of the plant is compact. The period from germination to flowering lasts about 100 days. Plants of this variety are resistant to frost and drought. The average yield of tubers reaches 150 c/ha, and green mass - 200 c/ha. The variety is suitable for mechanized harvesting.

Vylgotsky. Plants of this variety form a sprawling shrub with a juicy, thick, pubescent stem with an anthocyanin shade in the areas of internodes and the base of the petioles. The leaves are large, elongated-pointed, slightly pubescent along the veins with hard villi. Tubers are yellow, elongated. It takes about 125 days from planting to harvesting for green fodder. The variety is resistant to early spring frosts. For tubers left to winter in the soil, the safety approaches 100%.

The maximum yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers of this variety was 107 c/ha, and green mass - 346 c/ha.

Interest. Tall variety of late ripening with erect, powerfully developed medium-branched bristly stem. The leaves are large, dark green, rough. The tubers are white, with smooth skin and medium-sized deep eyes. Plants show increased demands on moisture, they tolerate heat and cold well. The average yield of this variety of Jerusalem artichoke is about 265 centners/ha of tubers and 436 centners/ha of green mass.

Leningradsky. The plant is highly branched, bushy form. The stem is dark green in color with a weak anthocyanin color, strongly pubescent. The leaves are green, rough, oblong-ovate, with a rare-toothed edging. The duration of the vegetative period is up to 140 days. Tubers are white, medium size, elongated. They have a high (90% or more) degree of preservation during wintering in the soil. The maximum yield reaches 498 c/ha, green mass - 420 c/ha.

Find. Plants with pubescent stems have large triangular-rounded leaves of light green color with equally serrated edges. The arrangement of the leaves is alternate, but not symmetrical. The vegetative period lasts about 190 days. Tubers are medium-sized, pear-shaped, white in color with pinkish streaks around the eyes. The advantages of this variety include the compact arrangement of the root system in the soil. The average yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers of this variety is 350 kg/ha. The variety is suitable for mechanized cultivation.

Early maturing. Plants of this variety form a well-branched green stem with anthocyanin coating. The leaves are heart-shaped, with a jagged, large edging, dark green, rough. The tubers are rounded, covered with a smooth white skin. The root system is compact.

The vegetative period from planting to cutting the green mass in Jerusalem artichoke of this variety takes up to 120 days (which is 50 days ahead of the development of the Volzhsky 2 variety). The average yield of tubers is about 250 c/ha, and green mass - 268 c/ha. Tubers have good frost resistance when wintering in the soil. The advantages of this variety include also undemanding to lighting. Suitable for mechanized processing.

Pasko. Plants are tall, strongly bushy, consist of weakly branched stems. The leaves are large, broadly ovate, with a pointed apex and a heart-shaped base. The basket is round, small. Tubers weighing about 80 g are oval, white in color. Pasko belongs to the varieties of the tuberous direction. The vegetative period lasts up to 190 days. The average yield of tubers reaches 308 c/ha, green mass - 354 c/ha. This variety of Jerusalem artichoke is recommended for widespread cultivation.

Solar. Plants of this variety are tall (above 2 m), moderate tillering, consist of highly branched stems. The leaves are large, green, rough, elongated-ovate in shape with a rounded base and a pointed apex.

The basket is large and rounded. Tubers of medium size, elongated-elliptical, white, weighing about 60 g. Sunny refers to varieties of the tuberous direction. The duration of the vegetative period is about 170 days. The average yield of green mass is 320 c/ha, tubers - up to 400 c/ha. The variety is recommended for widespread cultivation.

Omsk white. This mid-season variety of Jerusalem artichoke is valued for the friendly ripening of tubers. Plants with a high central stem (more than 2 m) of moderate thickness, medium bushiness. The surface of the stem is bristly, green in color with a slight anthocyanin tint. Green leaves are medium, with a rounded base. The basket is small. The flowers are monochromatic, about the same height, size and density. Small tubers are spherical, weighing about 55 g. The maximum yield is up to 430 kg / ha with a productivity of 1.3 kg / bush. The duration of the vegetative period is 130 days. The variety is suitable for widespread cultivation.

Early varieties of Jerusalem artichoke (Red, Patat, Skorospelka, Bely, Spindle-shaped) give a harvest by the third decade of September and can be grown even in regions with severe winters. However, in conditions of risky farming, it is better not to leave pear tubers for wintering in the soil, but to transfer them to cold cellars, wrap them in burlap and store them under a layer of sand, using them as food as needed.

Of the late varieties of Jerusalem artichoke, you should pay attention to Interest, Hybrid 320 and News. Late varieties form a full-fledged crop by November, so they are not very common in the northern and cold regions.

In recent years, hybrids obtained by crossing Jerusalem artichoke with sunflower can be found on sale. Such a culture is called sunflowers. They are somewhat different from Jerusalem artichoke in external habitus and structure of bushes: shorter, thin-stemmed, with a large number of inflorescences (up to 1 cm in diameter, only yellow flowers). In Jerusalem artichokes, the tubers are absolutely smooth, while in Jerusalem artichoke, small (like hairs) roots are observed, scattered over the surface of the tuber. The hybrids Rapture and Novosti VIR have proven themselves well.

It should be noted that Jerusalem artichokes retained the healing and dietary properties of Jerusalem artichoke and acquired the beneficial properties of sunflowers.

• Jerusalem artichoke can be grown in one place for up to 40 years without damage to the soil.
• An earthen pear is planted with tubers, like an ordinary potato.
• Jerusalem artichoke is characterized by good frost resistance and easily tolerates even low negative temperatures. Green seedlings are not afraid of frosts down to -5 ° C, and tubers - frosts down to -40 ° C.
• In the southern regions, it is recommended to plant an earthen pear on the beds in the fall, and in the northern (regions of the so-called risky farming) - in the spring.
• Jerusalem artichoke yields the most abundant crops in the next few years after the first planting of tubers in the soil, and starting from about the fifth year, yields will gradually decline.
• The average yield of an adult Jerusalem artichoke bush can reach up to 2 buckets of tubers.
• In the middle of summer, it is recommended to prune Jerusalem artichoke bushes to a height of no more than 1.5 m. In addition, all inflorescences are also removed.
• Autumn colds are a guide that it is time to harvest the stems of an earthen pear, leaving no more than 30 cm above the soil level. At about the same time, you can start harvesting.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers ripen, as a rule, for at least 120 days. Do not rush to harvest, because the fruits of the earthen pear dug too early will not ripen to the desired quality.

They dig up Jerusalem artichoke in spring (before the ground warms up) or in autumn (as soon as the soil begins to freeze). The tubers of this crop, being in the soil, can tolerate frosts down to -40 ° C. However, both experts and experienced vegetable growers agree that for the winter it is better to cover the area with an earthen pear with straw, dry leaves and cut stems, as well as a layer of snow.

During the autumn harvest, it is best to dig out as many tubers at a time as you can eat during the winter, it is better to leave the rest of the crop in the ground until spring - during the period of spring beriberi, it will come in handy. At the same time, it is important not to forget to harvest before the onset of warm days, otherwise the tubers will give rise to shoots, and Jerusalem artichoke will turn from a healthy and tasty vegetable into a weed.

The most useful tubers of Jerusalem artichoke are immediately after harvesting, since during storage (as a result of hydrolysis), part of the inulin turns into fructose. There is nothing harmful in this, especially for diabetics, for whom fructose replaces sugar.

Store Jerusalem artichoke in the same way as other root crops. A box of sand placed in a cellar or basement is best suited for this purpose. However, before storing, dug out pear tubers must be washed and dried well. Humidity in such rooms should be high, and the temperature should be low (not higher than 4 degrees with a plus sign).

And even better, Jerusalem artichoke will be preserved if you dig up the roots of the plant along with the nodules, and then, without shaking off the ground, put the root crops in an ordinary bag or box. From above, an earthen pear is covered with moistened sand or earth. This method, of course, is more laborious, but it will allow you to keep the tubers throughout the winter.

City residents, due to the lack of a cellar, can store Jerusalem artichoke on an insulated balcony or loggia, since the root crop is not afraid of even repeated frosts and thaws and does not lose its taste and useful properties. To store the Jerusalem artichoke on the balcony, you will need bags with wet sawdust or sand. Moisture will protect the crop from drying out and provide the right microclimate. It is important that the bags of tubers are not exposed to direct sunlight, because with a slight increase in temperature, the ground pear will start growing again.

A small amount of tubers can be kept in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.

The dug-out tubers of an earthen pear are well stored even on the street in heaps, it is enough to sprinkle them properly with snow and cover them with straw on top.

Tubers that are picked in the spring are better suited for new planting. They contain more sugar than vegetables harvested in the fall.

Growing Jerusalem artichoke - video

APPLICATION OF TOPINAMBUR: BENEFITS AND HARMS

Jerusalem artichoke (or earthen pear) is a natural healer of almost the entire body. Thanks to this plant, the Hippocratic slogan that our food should be our medicine can be realized.

In terms of its nutritional properties, the ground pear is superior to potatoes and beets. Juice, stems, leaves and roots of the Jerusalem artichoke are used to treat a wide variety of diseases. The healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke are due to the special chemical composition of this plant. The antioxidant properties of tuberous sunflower are due to the presence of succinic, raspberry, malic, fumaric acids in it. The vegetable contains about 8% silicon, so even a small amount of Jerusalem artichoke can satisfy a person's daily need for this element.

Ground pear is rich in potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and zinc, and it contains more vitamins B and C than in beets, carrots and potatoes, 3 times. Pectins, which are part of the vegetable, cleanse the body, positively affect the functioning of the intestines and prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood. In addition, tuberous sunflower contains up to 22% inulin, which makes it a unique natural medicine for lowering blood glucose levels. It is for this reason that the plant is widely used in the production of food products for diabetics. The tubers of the plant are rich in protein - up to 3.2% of the total mass of the root crop.

At the same time, Jerusalem artichoke does not absorb heavy metals from the soil at all and is suitable for food, regardless of the place where it grew up.

Nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke

Regular consumption of just 100 g of raw Jerusalem artichoke per day for 3 months will help cleanse the body of toxins. Trace elements contained in Jerusalem artichoke will help strengthen blood vessels and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, an earthen pear may well replace pharmacy potassium-magnesium complexes. Regular use of Jerusalem artichoke will help in the treatment of anemia, helps to normalize blood pressure and lower blood sugar. The vegetable helps with dysbacteriosis, urolithiasis, gout, salt deposition, obesity and anemia. And Jerusalem artichoke is able to relieve nausea and stop vomiting.

Nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke

Scientists conducted an experiment with Jerusalem artichoke. The vegetable was planted on lands contaminated with radiation after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Studies have shown that the ground pear turned out to be quite suitable for food, since it did not absorb a single harmful component.

• for the prevention of diabetes;
• to normalize blood pressure;
• with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• to protect against viral infections;
• to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Eating Jerusalem artichoke tubers (in parallel with drug treatment of diseases!) Promotes a faster recovery - including by increasing immunity and by removing toxins from the body.

This vegetable has practically no contraindications for consumption, however, excessive passion for earth pear can cause flatulence. Remember, any product when overeating can cause discomfort.

Elena KRIVOLAP, therapist

Name	Quantity	daily requirement
Vitamin B 9	13 mcg	3 %
Vitamin B 5	1.3 mg	8%
Vitamin B 5	0.397 mg	8%
Vitamin B6	0.077 mg	6%
Vitamin B 6	0.060 mg	4,5 %
Vitamin B 1	0.200 mg	17 %
Vitamin A	20ME	<1 %
Vitamin C	4 mg	7%
Vitamin E	0.19 mg	1 %
Vitamin K	0.1 µg	<1 %

Name	Quantity	daily requirement
Calcium	14 mg	1,4 %
Copper	0.140 mg	15 %
Iron	3.40 mg	42,5 %
Magnesium	17 mg	4%
Manganese	0.060 mg	2 %
Selenium	0.7 mcg	1 %
Zinc	0.12 mg	1 %

With diabetes.

Not only folk, but also official medicine recognizes that Jerusalem artichoke has healing properties and recommends it for the prevention and treatment of type I and type II diabetes. Once in the human body, inulin penetrates the organs and replaces glucose in metabolic processes, so that the cells receive the necessary energy. Since inulin helps to regulate glucose absorption, it is possible to achieve a decrease in blood sugar concentration. This improves the patient's well-being. Moreover, the stabilization of glucose levels can become a catalyst that will cause the pancreas to produce its own insulin.

Tip: for diabetes, eat boiled or fresh Jerusalem artichoke roots 3 times a day, 1 piece 15 minutes before meals.

For the treatment of joints. Jerusalem artichoke is rich in silicon, and this element is involved in the growth and division of cells of the synovial membranes that are inside the joints. Regular use of earthen pear will reduce pain and relieve stiffness of the joints. This vegetable must be included in the diet of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and radiculitis.

Tip: just 50 g of ground pear per day fills a person's daily need for silicon.

For bone fractures, sprains, osteochondrosis, arthritis and arthrosis, it is useful to drink half a glass of freshly squeezed pear juice daily. In this case, baths with a decoction of the leaves and stems of Jerusalem artichoke will also be effective.

To prepare it, you need 1.5 kg of fresh Jerusalem artichoke greens or 0.5 kg of dry mass. Pour vegetable raw materials with 7 liters of water, bring to a boil and let it brew for an hour. The broth is added to a bath filled with water at a temperature of about 40 ° C. Take such a therapeutic bath should be no more than 15 minutes.

This procedure should be treated with caution for hypertensive patients: you should not completely refuse treatment, it is enough just to monitor the level of blood pressure. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to repeat the procedure daily for 3 weeks.

At home, you can also prepare a joint rub from an earthen pear, which will help relieve pain. To do this, you need to finely chop the root crops, fill them with a half-liter jar and pour vodka. Insist in a dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally.

With pancreatitis. Pancreatic disease is most often accompanied by a violation of metabolic processes and a deterioration in blood supply. The use of Jerusalem artichoke can not only improve metabolic processes, but also remove inflammation.

Advice: for diseases of the pancreas, it is necessary to eat about 150 g of raw Jerusalem artichoke root every day (before this, the vegetable is thoroughly washed and consumed along with the peel), eat it boiled and dried, drink a decoction of the root.

In diseases of the pancreas, it is not recommended to eat pickled, baked or fried Jerusalem artichoke. Prepared in one of these ways, Jerusalem artichoke will irritate the gastric mucosa.

Ground pear is a real find for those who want to reduce their weight, since sugar can be replaced with syrup of this vegetable.

For weight loss. Regular use of Jerusalem artichoke will help to get rid of excess weight. The root crop contains a large amount of fiber, which is able to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, thereby accelerating metabolism.

Tip: the calorie content of 100 g of ground pear is only 61 kcal, so it is perfect for preparing diet meals.

During pregnancy . Since the ground pear is rich in vitamins and trace elements, it is useful for expectant mothers to use the root crop. It will help to fill the body with calcium and other useful substances.

Tip: Jerusalem artichoke has a laxative effect and is recommended for pregnant women who suffer from constipation.

For this purpose, it must be consumed raw.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke for men's health. For the representatives of the stronger sex, vitamins, micro- and macroelements contained in Jerusalem artichoke will also only benefit. And this applies to men of all ages.

Tip: if you regularly include dishes with this root crop in the menu, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases of the genitourinary system. And with the daily use of an earthen pear, problems with potency and even the development of prostate adenoma can be prevented.

In Japan, America and Holland, coffee is made from Jerusalem artichoke tubers.

During World War II, many families did not die of starvation thanks to this root crop.

USEFUL PROPERTIES OF TOPINAMBUR: RECIPES

Decoction to lower blood pressure. 3 art. l. crushed Jerusalem artichoke tubers pour 1 liter of water, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes over low heat. The cooled strained broth is drunk throughout the day in several doses. You can store the broth in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days. Such a remedy will help normalize blood pressure and “calm down” a rapid heartbeat.

Decoction to increase hemoglobin. 5 st. l. crushed pear tubers are poured into 1 liter of water and boiled for 15 minutes after boiling. The cooled broth is filtered and drunk 3 times a day with meals, 75 ml each until the condition improves.

Vitamin infusion. 3 art. l. dried leaves of Jerusalem artichoke are brewed in 1 liter of water, covered with a lid and left for a day in a dark place. Strained product drink 100 ml

twice a day - before breakfast and before bed. The infusion can be used as an anti-cold remedy.

Infusion for the normalization of metabolic processes. 1 medium-sized Jerusalem artichoke tuber is crushed and the juice is squeezed out through several layers of gauze. The resulting volume of juice is diluted with 75 ml of water and drunk. The tool normalizes digestion and helps to reduce blood pressure.

For heartburn and headaches. From the peeled and crushed tubers of Jerusalem artichoke, juice is squeezed using a juicer. Drink 2 tbsp. l. juice diluted with the same amount of water. The tool helps to normalize the pressure. Store the squeezed juice in the refrigerator.

Jerusalem artichoke tincture. Fresh pear flowers are crushed, poured with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 3 and infused in a dark place for 14 days. Ready tincture is taken 3 times a day after meals, 30-40 drops for overwork, chronic fatigue, impotence.

Jerusalem artichoke powder. The use of this remedy will help improve digestion, help get rid of dysbacteriosis and remove toxins from the body. To prepare it, finely chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers are dried in the sun and ground to a powder. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day with water.

In cosmetology, due to the high content of useful elements, Jerusalem artichoke tubers are used to make masks. Their use helps to improve complexion and smooth fine wrinkles, and also saturates the skin with nutrients.

Rejuvenating mask. We clean 2 root crops of an earthen pear and grind them with a blender. The resulting slurry is applied in a thick layer on the skin of the face and décolleté. Leave on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Toning mask. We rub the Jerusalem artichoke on a fine grater, add a little natural honey and olive oil. You can add a couple of drops of tea tree essential oil if you like. Mix everything thoroughly and apply on the skin of the face and décolleté. Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Peeling. We chop the roots of Jerusalem artichoke and squeeze the juice. Add some citric acid (or citrus essential oil) and sea salt. Apply the mass with careful circular movements on the skin of the face, rinse with warm water. This procedure will help cleanse the skin of keratinized particles and pigmentation, promotes its renewal. It needs to be done once a week.

I do so

If I feel discomfort in the intestines, if I ate a low-quality product and there is a suspicion of poisoning, I am treated with Jerusalem artichoke. To do this, during the day I drink 100 ml of ground pear juice at least 3 times a day before meals.

Pavel Pavlovich STESHENOK, Stupino

Tonic for dehydrated, flaky and tight skin. To prepare it, mix a small amount of Jerusalem artichoke juice with mineral water. The resulting liquid can be wiped or sprinkled throughout the day on the face. In terms of useful properties, the tonic is not inferior to micellar water, which is so popular today.

Jerusalem artichoke contains substances necessary to strengthen hair follicles and improve hair growth - ascorbic acid, iron, copper and zinc. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Thanks to copper, premature graying can be prevented and weakened hair can be maintained. And vitamin C improves the production of collagen, which is necessary for strengthening hair follicles.

With regular use of Jerusalem artichoke, the body will receive the beneficial substances necessary for healing hair. And for external use, you can prepare homemade hair care products based on Jerusalem artichoke:

• to eliminate dandruff, you need to apply a mask containing earthen pear juice after each hair wash;
• A decoction of fresh Jerusalem artichoke leaves will help prevent baldness. To prepare it, the leaves are boiled over low heat for about 3 hours. The resulting product is rubbed into the scalp every other day.

RECIPES OF DISHES FROM TOPINAMBUR - WHAT CAN BE PREPARED FROM IT

It is most useful to eat Jerusalem artichoke raw. Nutritionists recommend adding only 100-150 g of ground pear to the salad daily (for example, three small root crops) - and in a week you will feel better. And with longer regular use, you can get rid of not only accumulated toxins and toxins, but also some health problems. This result can be achieved in 3 months.

Before use in food, the root crop should be thoroughly washed in water. In this case, it is recommended to use a brush to remove all particles of earth from the vegetable. Since the skin of the earthen pear is very thin, it is not necessary to cut it off, it is enough just to remove both tips from the tuber, as well as damaged areas.

We have already said that Jerusalem artichoke is often recommended to be included in the diet of diabetics. And here the question arises of how to eat an earthen pear with this disease? According to doctors, you can use the root crop in exactly the same way as regular potatoes: boiled, fried, stewed or baked, with butter, meat, sour cream, etc.

DIETARY CASTLE FROM TOPINAMBUR

We wash several tubers of Jerusalem artichoke well under running warm water (if necessary, use a brush) and grate coarsely. Simmer on the stove in a small amount of vegetable oil, lightly salting. We distribute the resulting slurry over the surface of the baking sheet, fill it with a mixture of low-fat milk, beaten eggs and semolina. Place the filled form in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 185 degrees. Serve hot.

CAVIAR FROM TOPINAMBUR

My earthen pear under a stream of warm water. Cut into pieces and simmer until done. Grind the finished Jerusalem artichoke into a puree using a blender or meat grinder. In the resulting fragrant gruel, add salt and spices (whichever you prefer), tomato paste, browned carrots and onions. The number of ingredients is determined by eye. We place the finished dish in a clay pot, close and simmer at 175 degrees in the oven for an hour. Such caviar from an earthen pear can even be preserved, stocking up for future use.

Jerusalem artichoke salad with radish

We take Jerusalem artichoke and radish tubers in arbitrary proportions, wash them thoroughly, peel them and rub them on a coarse grater. Add any chopped greens to the salad (if you wish, you can add green onion feathers), salt and spices and season with sour cream.

Salad "Summer"

For a simple and quick salad, you will need 2 medium-sized Jerusalem artichoke tubers, 2 small cucumbers and 2 medium-sized tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. For dressing, you can use any vegetable oil, but flaxseed is best. If desired, fresh herbs can be added to the salad: cilantro, parsley, dill, green onions.

We thoroughly wash the vegetables, thinly peel them (if required) and proceed to chopping. We rub the earthen pear on a grater, and finely chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into cubes. We combine all the components in one large bowl, add spices and herbs and season with linseed oil. We mix everything thoroughly. A ready-made vitamin salad is good to serve as a tasty and healthy snack.

I also want to note that a fresh ground pear goes well with sweet and sour apples, carrots, bell peppers, sauerkraut, celery, onions and other ingredients. Therefore, from an earthen pear, you can constantly cook completely different dishes that will not get bored.

Natalia Pavlovna VOLOSHINA, Gomel region

The first dishes from Jerusalem artichoke are great for both baby food (including for small children) and for adults.

Ground pear soup

To prepare it, we need cauliflower or broccoli (about 100 g), one large juicy carrot, one onion and one sweet bell pepper. If you like celery, be sure to add it to the soup - no more than 100 g. The amount of salt and spices can be used at your discretion.

To prepare the first dish, fill the pan 2/3 with plain water and bring it to a boil. Put diced carrots, broccoli (or cauliflower), onions, bell peppers, celery and Jerusalem artichoke into boiling water. In this case, it is advisable to grate the tuber or cut into pieces of medium size. Cook our diet soup over low heat for about 15 minutes. When all the vegetables are soft, add fresh herbs. Pour the soup into bowls and serve hot to the dinner table.

Tip: if you want to get a more aromatic soup, then you can additionally add fresh champignons or any other mushrooms to the broth.

Tatyana Olegovna VRUBLEVSKAYA, Nesvizh

Cooking Jerusalem artichoke does not take much time - it takes about 15 minutes to boil, stew or fry this vegetable.

EARTH PEAR COFFEE

To prepare it, Jerusalem artichoke tubers are washed well in hot water using a brush, and then poured with boiling water and left for several minutes. After that, the liquid is drained, and the ground pear is dried, cut into small pieces and fried in a pan without adding oil. The finished cooled root crop is ground in a coffee grinder. Brewed just like regular coffee.

If for some reason you cannot eat ordinary potatoes, then in the process of cooking it can be easily replaced with an earthen pear, since fried, boiled or baked Jerusalem artichoke practically does not differ in taste from the mentioned vegetable.

TOPINAMBUR PANCAKES

For cooking, you will need 2 Jerusalem artichoke tubers, 1 large carrot, a small piece of pumpkin, an onion head (finely grated), 2 chicken eggs and a few tablespoons of flour. Salt and spices are added to taste.

All vegetables need to be washed, peeled and grated on a coarse grater, add eggs, flour, salt and spices to them. The dough for vegetable fritters should be thick and viscous. Fry the pancakes in hot vegetable oil on both sides until cooked, and then put them on paper towels to drain excess fat.

The finished dish is served warm with sour cream and tomato sauce.

CHOPS WITH TOPINAMBUR

We cut large tubers of an earthen pear into plates. Warm-up

I eat vegetable oil in a frying pan, spread slices of Jerusalem artichoke, and on top - chops (chicken or pork). Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and simmer until tender. Flip only the chops, leaving the Jerusalem artichoke slices in place. Serve to the table, sprinkled with herbs.

TARTLETS WITH TOPINAMBUR

We rub the prepared earthen pear on a coarse grater and fry in vegetable oil. Boil steamed rice until cooked, mix with finely chopped egg (hard-boiled) and Jerusalem artichoke. We fill everything with sour cream.

The resulting mixture is laid out in tartlets and baked in the oven.

VEGETABLE STEW

Eggplant, Jerusalem artichoke and tomatoes cut into slices, onions - half rings. Boil the onion in a small amount of water, add eggplant to it and cook for about 5 minutes more. After that, add pieces of Jerusalem artichoke to the pan and keep on fire for another 3 minutes. Add tomatoes to the stew only after we remove the pan from the heat. Mix the dish, cover with a lid and let it brew for at least 30 minutes. Serve with finely chopped greens.

COUNTRY BEANS SOUP

Jerusalem artichoke cut into cubes, blanch for 5 minutes, and then fry in a pan with butter and onions. Boil white beans (pre-soaked overnight) until half cooked and season with fried Jerusalem artichoke. Cook until the beans are done. When serving, add chopped greens.

tightly closed lid. Puree the resulting mass in a blender or grind through a fine sieve.

Saute finely chopped spinach in 30 g of butter. We prepare the broth from water, onions, carrots and bay leaves. We process it. Whisk Jerusalem artichoke puree with broth to the desired consistency, add fried spinach and season with salt and spices to taste.

EARTH PEAR SOUP

For the base of the soup, stew Jerusalem artichoke sliced ​​\u200b\u200bwith the addition of a small amount of oil over low heat until completely softened (depending on the variety and quality of the vegetable - up to 1.5 hours) under

Residents of America often replace the usual potato with Jerusalem artichoke and serve an earthen pear with fried sausages, bacon and fresh vegetables. In European countries, this product is often combined with various types of cheese, olives and anchovies, and is also used in poultry dishes in combination with cream.

Jerusalem artichoke will also be an ideal companion for forest mushrooms and game, balancing their intense taste and giving the dish softness and sophistication.

Ground pear can be served as a separate ingredient or mixed with other products in salads and appetizers, first and main courses, make desserts from it, and even brew coffee.

People diagnosed with celiac disease (wheat intolerance) process ground pear into flour and make pastries from it.

Jerusalem artichoke is used in the production of some types of cognac, as well as a source of ethanol for the manufacture of biofuels.

BREAD WITH TOPINAMBUR

2 medium-sized Jerusalem artichoke tubers, washed, peeled and cut as small as possible. We shift into a bowl, add 480 g of wheat flour, 1 tsp each. soda and baking powder and 0.5 tsp. salt. Mix well.

2 stalks each of basil, cilantro and coriander, plus a stalk of shawl

fairy and celery stalk chop with a knife and add to the bowl. We rub one carrot, half of a medium turnip and half of a medium parsnip on a fine grater and transfer to Jerusalem artichoke. Pour in 120 ml of milk, 2 tbsp. l. maple syrup and knead the dough. If it gets too thick, add water. If you don't have maple syrup, you can replace it with runny honey.

We shift the prepared mass into a greased baking dish and send it to the oven preheated to 180 degrees. Cooking time is about 30 minutes. The bread is ready when the toothpick inserted into it comes out dry.

Puffs with earthen pear

Defrost 500 g of puff pastry without yeast. 1 kg of apples and 2 Jerusalem artichokes rub on a fine grater and put in a pan. Add 1 tsp. orange zest, half a glass of sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Cut the dough into rectangles. On one side of each rectangle lay out the filling and cover with the second side, pinch the edges. Lubricate each puff with beaten yolk, sprinkle with sugar and leave for 10 minutes. Then we put the puffs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20 minutes at a temperature of 180 ° C.

SALTED TOPINAMBUR

Cut the prepared pear tubers into thin slices and circles. We put it tightly in a glass or enameled dish, pour it with cold brine, put a wooden circle and oppression on top. To prepare a brine for 1 liter of water, you need 1.5-2 tbsp. l. salt. Leave in a dark room for fermentation for 2-3 days, then transfer to a cool place. Salted Jerusalem artichoke will be ready for consumption in 15-20 days. Its slices can be added to vinaigrette, used as an appetizer or garnish.

In addition to a variety of dishes, tasty and incredibly healthy, syrup is also prepared from Jerusalem artichoke. Derived from tubers, this sweet product contains fructans, rare polymers that are different from glucose and fructose and are more beneficial to the body than refined sugar. Such a syrup can be bought at a pharmacy, or you can cook it yourself at home from Jerusalem artichoke tubers. Moreover, the recipe for its preparation is very simple.

Jerusalem artichoke syrup

Rinse the tubers in water with a brush and cut off the peel in a thin layer. Grate and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth (or use a juicer). Heat the resulting juice to a temperature of 50-55 degrees, slightly darken, remove from heat and cool. Do all this three times. In this case, the juice loses moisture and thickens. After that, add lemon juice to the syrup (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter), pour into sterile jars and refrigerate.

Jerusalem artichoke syrup can be added instead of sugar to tea and compote, as well as to any desserts. In addition, pear syrup (like the tubers themselves) has many useful properties: it improves immunity, improves bowel function and metabolism, lowers cholesterol, strengthens bones and joints, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the general condition of the body.

DIET FOR SLIMMING BASED ON TOPINAMBUR

Such a diet is very effective, but should not last more than 5 days. At this time, you need to forget about pastries, pickled and fatty delicacies, limit (or completely eliminate) the use of salt and sugar.

During the day, you need to eat as many dishes prepared only from this vegetable as possible, and season them with any vegetable oil. The only exception is breakfast, which should consist of familiar products. On

lunch and dinner, in addition to salad with Jerusalem artichoke, you can eat fish or lean meat (boiled or baked). Lovers of first courses can make cream soup from Jerusalem artichoke (several Jerusalem artichoke tubers and 1 onion finely chopped and fried in vegetable oil, added to vegetable broth and boiled until cooked, chopped in a blender and add a little sour cream).

Thanks to such a diet, you can not only lose weight, but also improve your health.

Jerusalem artichoke as a fodder crop

For feeding farm animals, Jerusalem artichoke uses both stems with leaves and tubers. At the same time, the nutritional value of tubers is twice the nutritional value of, for example, fodder beets. The plant is well ensiled, its greens can be used for making grass flour, haylage. The green mass is harvested twice a season. The first time the plants are cut at a height of about a meter, after which young shoots develop again from the axils of the remaining leaves. The second cut of Jerusalem artichoke greens is produced in September.

Almost all animals in a farm or peasant economy - cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs - willingly eat Jerusalem artichoke (both tops and roots). Since Jerusalem artichoke greens are harvested in October, when the pasture season ends (meadow grass loses its taste and nutritional qualities), the use of Jerusalem artichoke can significantly delay the start of feeding with hay.

Tubers can be fed raw to animals, right after digging (just shake them off the ground). There is no harmful solanine, as in raw potatoes, in Jerusalem artichoke tubers, so raw feeding is possible under any conditions. Tubers (which are highly nutritious fodder) left in the spring will be a real help when winter food is running out. The easiest way this season is to dig up the required number of tubers right before feeding the animals.

OTHER WAYS OF APPLICATION OF TOPINAMBUR

Jerusalem artichoke hedge looks spontaneous outwardly, but fulfills its purpose by 100%. Each variety of this crop looks attractive. Beautiful flowers will delight until the frost, and their bright yellow hue will enliven the surrounding area. A Jerusalem artichoke hedge will look especially appropriate if you decide to decorate your site in a rustic style.

Jerusalem artichoke is able to protect the flower garden from cold winds. To do this, it is planted in the form of a windproof belt.

An earthen pear can shelter an apiary from the wind and additionally allow you to get late honey collection. Marketable honey is difficult to obtain in this way, but the last bribe stimulates the uterus to continue laying larvae: the bees believe that there is enough food to feed them, which means that you can get a young bee in sufficient quantities. For this reason, it is useful for every beekeeper to plant an earth pear near the apiary.

Jerusalem artichoke is a plant that is certainly useful and quite decorative, but in some cases it can spread greatly throughout the territory of a summer cottage or personal plot, and it will be quite difficult to remove it.

Many of us do not pay much attention to planting an earthen pear, more “advanced” summer residents use it to prepare various dishes and medicinal remedies, and someone considers an earthen pear as a green fence. And almost no one thinks in advance how difficult it will be to remove Jerusalem artichoke. What is he

can interfere with the site? The fact is that this culture grows quite quickly and occupies a large land area, on which there is no longer any place for vegetable crops and ornamental plants. This problem is especially acute for owners of small plots, where almost every piece of land is worth its weight in gold.

Most often, the fight against the "occupier" begins with the simplest destruction: the aerial part of the plants is cut down, and the small shoots are knocked down with a chopper or removed with a flat cutter. As practice shows, this approach does not work: you can dig up a bed with Jerusalem artichoke, uproot it, trying to extract all root residues from the soil, but next spring it grows again, because you can find the roots of an earthen pear even at a depth of half a meter.

To achieve maximum success, at the landing site of Jerusalem artichoke, you need to dig a hole up to one meter deep, and also expand it to the sides by at least a meter. Thus, if a plot with an earthen pear occupies a couple of square meters, you will have to shovel at least ten cubic meters of soil. This method will not frighten only the owners of mini-tractors, but for the elderly it is not at all suitable.

An interesting solution to the problem is offered by some experimental vegetable growers: you can say goodbye to an earth pear in just one season by simply sowing zucchini on top of it.

As "heavy artillery" you can use chemicals that are used to kill weeds, for example, "Roundup" or "Hurricane". With a solution of these high concentration herbicides (or even a pure preparation), the aerial part is treated with a brush. After a week, the plant will almost die.

Cardboard, boards, roofing material or film are perfect to restrict the access of air and sunlight to the young shoots of Jerusalem artichoke. First of all, you need to try to dig up all the root crops, tamp the soil, pressing old boards into it, for example, folding them tightly side by side, and then cover the area with a black thick film.

There is another way to "evict" Jerusalem artichoke from the site, in which the tubers remaining in the soil simply rot in the ground and no longer germinate. To do this, the top layer of soil is removed from the bed with an earthen pear (approximately on the bayonet of a shovel), the resulting pit is spilled with a compost ripening agent, and the top is covered with the same soil, only well sorted from the remnants of root crops. The top layer is also spilled with this composition. The best time for this operation is August-September.

Useful coffee from Jerusalem artichoke

In cold and damp November weather, one really wants to warm up with a cup of hot aromatic coffee, but excessive caffeine consumption does not benefit our body, and health problems force someone to completely abandon their favorite drink.

It is easy and simple to prepare delicious, healthy and perfectly warming coffee from the fruits of an earthen pear - just dry them properly.

By the way

The most beautiful in color "coffee" is obtained from Jerusalem artichoke tubers with a brown skin.

First of all, Jerusalem artichoke must be thoroughly washed under running water with a brush to remove all impurities. After that, the tubers are rubbed on a coarse grater (with holes of 7-8 mm) or chopped with an electric juicer, installing a folding disk and fixing a knife disk with holes on top, as in a manual grater.

Grated Jerusalem artichoke is laid out on a baking sheet, previously covered in one layer with paper, and then with cotton cloth.

Dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers are crushed in a coffee grinder or with a mixer, setting knives with a protective cylinder.

To prepare a coffee drink 1 tsp. chopped dried Jerusalem artichoke is poured into a saucepan, poured with a glass of water and boiled for about 2-3 minutes. After that, the drink is left for 5-10 minutes (to infuse), and then poured into cups. If desired, milk (regular, almond or coconut), cream, honey or maple syrup can be added to such coffee. The taste of the drink will be enriched with a few drops of vanilla extract.

If you decide to use a mixer to grind dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers, place them in a glass liter jar and cover with a PET lid, after cutting a hole in it with a diameter slightly larger than the largest diameter of the cylinder leg that encloses the mixer knives. Thus, the dust from crushing the Jerusalem artichoke will not come out of the jar.

You can also treat small gourmets with a coffee drink from Jerusalem artichoke. For its preparation 1 tsp. dried pear powder is poured into a glass of water, boiled for several minutes on low heat and filtered through a strainer. Then milk and sugar are added to the drink to taste. Children drink such healthy coffee with pleasure!

To make tea from Jerusalem artichoke, the leaves of the plant, its flowers and tubers are used. Most often, such a drink is used to reduce weight, but its beneficial properties do not end there.

Jerusalem artichoke flower tea

The medicinal properties of this tea are aimed at:

• increase in hemoglobin in the blood;
• reduction of manifestations of gastritis;
• acceleration of choleretic activity;
• decrease in alcohol intoxication: increase in the body's resistance to bacterial and viral infections, etc.

For its preparation 1 tbsp. l. Jerusalem artichoke flowers (fresh or dried) are crushed, poured with 300 ml of boiling water, wrapped and infused for at least 5 hours.

Jerusalem artichoke leaf tea

The leaves of the earthen pear, collected before flowering, contain the maximum amount of useful substances, therefore it is recommended to use them for brewing.

Tea from such a leaf:

• removes toxins from the body;
• improves immunity;
• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• relieves physical fatigue and mental stress:
• prevents the development of atherosclerosis, etc.

For its preparation 1 tsp. crushed dry leaves of Jerusalem artichoke pour 100 ml of boiling water and insist under the lid for 10 minutes. It is recommended to use this decoction twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

To achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is advisable to prepare fresh tea from Jerusalem artichoke flowers daily.

If you do not like the taste of the drink, add some natural honey to it before drinking.

: Jerusalem artichoke - cultivation and useful ...

: Planting and growing Jerusalem artichokeIt is rumored...

: Growing Jerusalem artichoke, useful properties and ...

Plants from the Asteraceae family have been known to man since ancient times as a storehouse of useful substances. Most of the representatives are mentioned in ancient medical treatises. Now scientists are again talking about the healing properties of the amazing earthen pear, and people are increasingly starting to include it in their daily menu. After reading the article, you will learn about the Jerusalem artichoke plant benefits and harms, healing properties, folk recipes for treatment and dietary nutrition. Little tricks will help you choose and save the most useful plant materials.

The botanical name of the plant is Helianthus tuberosus, which translates as tuberous sunflower. Indeed, this herbaceous perennial from the Compositae family has an outward resemblance to a sunflower, but produces edible nodules. Vegetable culture is often found under the name "ground pear" or "bulba".

Jerusalem artichoke belongs to large herbaceous crops. Sometimes the height of erect stems reaches four meters. The stem is pubescent with small hairs, forms second-order shoots from above. The leaves are quite large with a serrated edge and long petioles. The location is opposite in the lower part of the stem, alternate at the top. From the bottom of the bush, the leaf blades are heart-shaped, the upper leaves are smaller and narrower, have a lanceolate or elongated oval shape.

Know! Perennial is an excellent late honey plant. He gives the bees a late bribe, allowing them to replenish stocks before a long winter.

The earthen pear blossoms from August until the end of the season. Bright miniature sunflowers are pleasing to the eye, so gardeners are happy to plant a plant to maintain the decorativeness of the garden. Like other representatives of the Compositae family, the culture has basket inflorescences. The central part consists of inconspicuous tubular yellow flowers. These fertile bisexual flowers serve for seed reproduction. After pollination in a warm climate, achenes are tied, ripening by the end of the season. Along the edge of the basket are reed flowers, often called petals. The color of the petals is golden yellow, the number of 10-15 pieces.

The underground part is represented by a powerful root system. Underground shoots form many small edible tubers. Nodules are uneven, branched, strewn with growths. Outwardly, they look like ginger. The weight and color of the fruit depends on the cultivar. Skin color is white, yellowish, purple and even red. The taste is unusual, somewhat reminiscent of a turnip or a mixture of a young cabbage stalk with radish.

On a note! Tall bushes with a yellow crown create a dense curtain, so they can be used as a hedge or backstage protecting garden sissies from the north wind.

Origin story

Most vegetable crops came to us from ancient times, but not all plants have gained popularity. Our ancestors got along well with turnips, not knowing about potatoes, and the Indian tribes of Brazil did not know about such wonders at all and ate tubers of an earthen pear. The conquerors who discovered the New World got acquainted with one of the tribes, which was called Tupinamba. The natives grew tall dense bushes with bright flowers. What was the surprise of the newcomers when the natives treated them to juicy roots!

The outlandish vegetable was named after an Indian tribe and was immediately sent to England. The favorable climate of Europe has made the ground pear an affordable root crop, because its fertility is very high. The French, Dutch, Belgians highly appreciated the taste of the fruit, developed a lot of delicious recipes.

Gradually, the novelty also came to Russia, where they began to grow it for food and feed purposes. Farmers admired the plant's fertility, but cultivation on collective farms failed. Although the agricultural technology of the crop is very close to growing potatoes, it was not so easy to save the crop. Since then, the ground pear has lost popularity in Russia, and it was remembered only after Perestroika, when private entrepreneurs had the opportunity to make dietary supplements based on this healing vegetable.

Know! The culture is valued for the possibility of harvesting green mass twice. Mixed fodder silage is prepared from the tops, and juice suitable for making molasses is obtained from the stems.

More than 300 different culture hybrids have been bred. Some varieties are grown solely for the sake of green mass, which goes to feed livestock. Winter hardiness allows you to grow earth pear in most regions of the country. The advantages include high yield, low requirements for growing conditions, drought resistance. Experienced farmers recommend allocating a permanent plot to the bush, as the tubers remaining in the ground germinate, turning the crop into a malicious weed.

This phenomenon is observed in Europe, where the invasive plant captures large areas of farmland. Five varieties are included in the State Register: Pasko, Interest, Solnechny, Omsk Bely, Skorospelka. They give a generous harvest of white nodules weighing 100-150 g. Harvesting is carried out after 3-5 months.

Chemical composition

Ground pear is considered a real storehouse of nutrients. The composition of the outlandish vegetable includes:

• vitamins - E, C, carotene, vitamins of group B, PP;
• macroelements - calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, potassium;
• trace elements - Zn, J, B, Co, F, Al, Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, Si;
• inulin (16-18%);
• alimentary fiber;
• Sahara;
• cellulose;
• organic acids;
• protein - up to 3%;
• amino acids - arginine, leucine, lysine;
• pectin.

Know! The amount of nutrients in root crops, especially inulin, depends on the correct harvesting. It is preferable to pre-cut the stems so that all the beneficial substances migrate to the underground part.

The nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke for the body

The calorie content of a fresh vegetable is only 61 kcal. In terms of nutritional value, even fodder beets are inferior to it. The share of carbohydrates represented by starch and saccharides accounts for 12.8 g. This figure is even higher than that of sugar beets.

Most of the root crop is water - 79%. The content of dietary fiber reaches 4.5 g, which is considered a high indicator. The daily need for ascorbic acid will be satisfied with 200 g of fresh root crops. As for B vitamins, sun roots are three times richer in them than carrots. The tandem of silicon and calcium is rarely found in vegetables, especially in such quantities as in the ground pear.

But the most valuable substance that contains the solar root is inulin. The polysaccharide is successfully used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, since it is similar to insulin in its mechanism of action.

Useful and medicinal properties

The rich chemical composition makes tuberous sunflower a valuable product. With regular use, the vegetable will remove all harmful substances from the body, improve health, and strengthen the immune system. Traditional medicine claims that Jerusalem artichoke is a cure for all diseases. Let us consider in more detail the useful and medicinal properties of an earthen pear:

1. The content of dietary fiber and inulin in the root crop has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. These substances act like a sponge, removing toxins, radionuclides, heavy metals from the human body. Colitis, chronic constipation, intestinal disorders, dyspepsia, gastritis, inflammation of the pancreas can be cured.
2. Daily consumption of a vegetable improves the intestinal microflora. It is used in the treatment of dysbacteriosis.
3. A slight choleretic effect normalizes the outflow of bile, helps to eliminate bitterness in the mouth and nausea.
4. Thanks to inulin, the solar root is indispensable for strengthening the immune system.
5. The high content of potassium helps to establish a water-salt balance, eliminate swelling. This microelement gives the nodules a diuretic property, strengthens the heart muscle, and removes excess salts.
6. Effective in diseases associated with the deposition of urates - salts of uric acid. Using products based on tuberous sunflower, you can get rid of gout, arthritis, osteoporosis.
7. The high content of the prebiotic inulin, a natural analogue of insulin, makes the ground pear an indispensable product for diabetics.
8. Hypertension occurs for various reasons. A useful culture will help overcome the disease, as it removes cholesterol and relieves swelling.
9. The content of natural antioxidants (selenium, vitamin E, carotene, manganese, zinc) prolongs youth, protects against pathogens, strengthens the immune system. Antioxidants have a powerful oncoprotective effect.
10. The culture is rich in ascorbic acid, which not only protects the body from viruses, but also strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
11. Calcium, which is part of the product, is a building material for the normal growth of bone tissue, teeth, hair and nails.
12. Sweetish juice of root crops will help strengthen the immune system, eliminate anemia, and improve appetite.
13. Sun roots will help the strong sex to restore male power, because they contain biologically active substances responsible for the normalization of hormonal levels. The anti-inflammatory effect of the product will prevent the development of the most common problem - prostate adenoma.
14. Thanks to silicon, zinc and copper, vegetable juice gently soothes the skin, relieves inflammation, and smoothes wrinkles. On its basis make cosmetic masks for skin and hair.
15. Arginine and phosphorus will benefit from increased physical exertion, and B vitamins and magnesium will help relieve stress, restore sleep, and improve the functioning of the nervous system.
16. Indians have used the plant since ancient times to quickly heal wounds.
17. Finally, a wonderful culture is used to make vitamin salads, healthy soups, homemade preserves, jams, syrups, pastries and much more.

This is interesting! Scientific studies have shown that earth pear does not accumulate harmful substances, including radionuclides and heavy metals. For experiments, the culture was planted in the Chernobyl zone contaminated with radiation, it turned out that the harvested crop was suitable for food.

Culinary cooking recipes

Tuberous sunflower is best eaten fresh. To do this, wash it thoroughly. You do not need to remove the skin from the tubers, just cut them in any way and sprinkle with vegetable oil (olive, pumpkin or any other). The leaves are also edible, they are washed, chopped and added to salads seasoned with vegetable oil. Healthy tea is made from flowers.

In addition, healing tubers can be subjected to heat treatment. Some of the nutrients will be destroyed, but the most valuable component inulin will remain unchanged or hydrolyze to fructose. A valuable vegetable can be fried, boiled, stewed, baked, pickled, fermented. A unique culture will replenish the assortment of your daily menu, bringing incredible benefits to the body. Consider a few popular recipes using Jerusalem artichoke.

Vitamin salad with cucumbers and tomatoes

An ordinary salad with tomatoes and fresh cucumbers can be diversified by adding a few pear tubers. Take the number of products at your discretion. Wash vegetables thoroughly and chop. Cut the tomatoes into slices, cucumbers into circles or strips, and grate the root vegetables. The best dressing is linseed oil. Add spices and herbs to taste, mix.

Spicy spring salad with sorrel

To prepare a spicy vitamin salad, you will need:

• sorrel - 200 g;
• peeled nodules - 200 g;
• garlic and spices to taste;
• salad dressing.

Chop the prepared tubers into strips or chop with a “Korean” grater. Sorrel should be sorted out, washed with cold running water, and then scalded with boiling water with salt and cut. Combine the ingredients, add the garlic, passed through the press. Prepare salad dressing according to your favorite recipe, pour over vegetables, mix.

Advice! As a dressing, you can use sour cream or natural yogurt, then the salad will acquire a delicate taste.

Salad with apple and carrot

"Bulba" goes well with apples and carrots. Salad based on these products will fill the deficiency of vitamins, help to lose weight. For 1 apple, take 1 carrot and a couple of tubers. You can grate the ingredients on a grater or cut into strips. Season with vegetable oil, a teaspoon of lemon juice and fresh herbs. Instead of an apple or with it, you can use daikon.

Pasta for sandwiches

You can make an excellent spread for sandwiches from tuberous sunflower. To implement the recipe, take:

• 100 g of fresh nodules;
• 100 g of cheese;
• 100 g fish fillet (you can take boiled or slightly salted fish);
• garlic and herbs to taste;
• mayonnaise - 100-120 g.

All products must be cleaned and chopped with a blender to a state of gentle puree. Because of mayonnaise, such a paste cannot be called dietary, but it is incredibly tasty and healthy.

Pickled Ground Pear

A great way to prepare a healthy vegetable is pickling. You can pickle it like cucumbers or add other ingredients - carrots, bell peppers. The marinade that you use to make pickled cucumbers will do. Wash the root crops and cut into small pieces, straws, cubes. Put in sterile jars along with the marinade and pasteurize for 15 minutes (for a 1 liter jar), and then roll up with a key and put it in a cool dark place.

Jam without cooking

The uniqueness of tuberous sunflower lies in the possibility of using it in sweet dishes. Excellent healthy jam will keep fresh for six months, strengthen the immune system. According to the recipe, you need to grate 1 kg of juicy roots on a fine grater and pour 250 g of liquid honey. The composition should stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and mash (grate) 2 large lemons. You do not need to remove the zest, just remove the bones. Combine the lemon puree with the prepared mass, place in sterile jars. Store the product in the refrigerator.

On a note! The recipe does not involve cooking in order to preserve all the useful properties as much as possible, but you can also boil the composition over low heat for five minutes. Use peaches or pumpkin as additional ingredients.

Jerusalem artichoke in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a serious endocrine pathology. The disease is caused by insufficient secretion of insulin. The main therapy involves maintaining a strict diet and injection of an artificial hormone.

Once in the patient's body, the natural analogue of the hormone is not cleaved by hydrochloric acid. Due to this property, it can absorb excess glucose, normalizing sugar levels. During the hydrolytic breakdown of inulin, fructose is formed, which replaces glucose and is involved in metabolism. The body ceases to experience "cellular hunger", the metabolism and the production of its own insulin by the pancreas are normalized. Other biologically active substances that make up the medicinal root crop help fight the constant companions of diabetes - intoxication, vascular diseases, and obesity.

A medicinal plant from North America will help not only to overcome a serious illness, but also to prevent its occurrence. Diabetes in most cases is a hereditary disease, so it is important to start preventing its occurrence in time. For this, purchased compositions based on Jerusalem artichoke are suitable - syrup, dried vegetable raw materials (powder).

Advice! For the prevention of diabetes and the normalization of metabolism, be sure to include tuberous sunflower in the menu.

Most of the recipes listed above will do a great job of lowering blood sugar. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the preparation of a healthy soup and coffee drink using a medicinal root crop.

vegetable soup for diabetics

To prepare a healthy diet soup, take:

• 100 g of ground pear, celery, cauliflower and broccoli;
• one medium carrot;
• one sweet pepper;
• medium bulb - 1 piece;
• seasonings and herbs to taste.

Prepare vegetables - wash, peel and chop. Place the ingredients in a saucepan, cover with water. Cooking time - 10 minutes. Add seasonings and herbs. Fresh champignons will help diversify the taste of dietary soup.

coffee substitute

Based on the sun roots, you can make an excellent vitamin drink that can replace coffee. To do this, washed tubers should be placed in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Remove the product, dry and fry in a pan without oil. Grind dried raw materials with a coffee grinder. Use one teaspoon of coffee substitute per cup of boiling water.

Folk medicinal recipes with Jerusalem artichoke

The medicinal plant has long been used by folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Below you will find healing recipes based on an exotic guest. To put things in order in the body, remove harmful substances and normalize metabolism, a person should include 100-150 g of tuberous sunflower in the daily diet.

Remember! The maximum benefit will bring a raw, unpeeled root crop, eaten half an hour before the main meal.

For the treatment of joints

Sore joints with gout, osteoarthritis and arthritis will help a bath based on a decoction of the plant. To prepare it, take:

• 3 kg of hardwood;
• 10 liters of cold water.

Grind the green mass and boil for half an hour with low heat. Strained broth is mixed with water 1:1. Fluid temperature 40⁰C, treatment time 25 minutes. The multiplicity of taking healing baths is 20 days, after which the same break follows and the course is resumed. You can soar your feet in a decoction to get rid of spurs.

With pancreatitis

Inflammatory processes in the pancreas not only bring pain and discomfort, but also lead to a violation of the synthesis of enzymes, insulin. A decoction of tubers prepared on the basis of 6-7 medium root crops and two liters of water will help suppress the inflammatory process. Boiling time - 10 minutes. The finished broth is filtered and gradually drunk throughout the day instead of water or tea. The multiplicity of such a replacement is 2-3 times a week until a therapeutic effect is achieved.

To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

Medicinal juice from the plant will help to establish the work of the digestive tract. It will relieve inflammation, reduce acidity in gastritis, and eliminate constipation. You can get a drink using a juicer or pushing the roots rubbed with the skin. Store the juice for no more than 12 hours in the refrigerator, each time preparing a fresh portion. Drink half a glass before meals for 14 days.

Know! Tuberous sunflower juice will eliminate headaches, normalize appetite, and cure anemia.

Juice in the fight against anemia

Vegetable juice can overcome anemia. To get a healing agent, squeeze 200 ml of juice twice a day. Mix it with a tablespoon of honey and drink it on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

With hypertension

To normalize blood pressure, drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice twice a day, flavored with a tablespoon of fresh sea buckthorn berries.

Rejuvenating mask

The anti-aging properties of the solar root are used to restore the tone of the skin. The raw product is rubbed on a fine grater and flavored with a small amount of vegetable oil or milk. The composition is applied to the face and décolleté for 20 minutes. The mask should be washed off with warm water. Use the remedy 2-3 times a week.

To restore joint mobility

You can clean the diseased joint from urates using a special decoction. It is prepared like this:

• peel and grind 100 g of burdock root;
• chop the same amount of green mass of an earthen pear;
• pour the components with three liters of boiling water and boil for 2-3 minutes;
• infuse the broth until completely cooled, strain;
• per day you need to drink 600 ml of the finished broth, adding a tablespoon of natural honey to the glass. The course of treatment is 1 month.

cold remedy

The infusion of baskets is rich in vitamin C, so it is indispensable for the prevention and treatment of colds. Grind fresh or dry raw materials. For 600 ml of boiling water, take a tablespoon of flowers. Leave the liquid for 6 hours. Use the infusion before meals, 100 ml 3-4 times a day.

On a note! Instead of baskets, you can use leaves: a tablespoon of chopped raw materials will need 750 ml of water.

Leaves and flowers of Jerusalem artichoke benefit and harm

Deciduous mass and tiny sunflowers will only benefit a person! These parts of the earthen pear have the following healing properties:

• improve blood supply to internal organs;
• cleanse the blood of toxins;
• normalize blood pressure;
• eliminate headaches;
• relieve stomach cramps, relieve heartburn;
• improve metabolism;
• heal wounds;
• fight against inflammatory processes of various origins.

Baskets are harvested during flowering, and leaves before the opening of the corollas. On the basis of fresh or dried raw materials, decoctions and infusions are prepared according to the above recipes. They are used orally 100-150 ml once a day or added to baths. Drying is carried out at 60 degrees in the oven, dryer or in air. Store in a glass container for 18 months.

What is the use of Jerusalem artichoke syrup

Syrup from a medicinal plant is an indispensable biologically active preparation containing a large amount of the probiotic inulin. It is used instead of a natural sugar substitute, adding a small amount to any food and drink. The syrup restores the function of the pancreas and has the same medicinal properties as fresh root crops.
This wonderful tonic can be purchased at a pharmacy, supermarket or prepared at home.

syrup recipe

Wash 1 kg of culture tubers and squeeze the juice. Bring the resulting liquid to 50-60⁰C and keep on the stove for 10 minutes. Do not allow the composition to boil! Repeat the heating procedure 5-6 times. Before the last time, add the juice of 1 lemon to the composition. Hot syrup is sealed in sterile jars with a boiled nylon lid. Shelf life in the refrigerator is 6 months.

Know! Tuberous sunflower syrup will help you recover after chemotherapy.

Jerusalem artichoke powder - useful and harmful properties

Powder from dried tubers is also a prebiotic and has a positive effect on all body systems. It is prepared from dried, ground nodules. First, thin discs are cut and dried at 60⁰C, and then ground into a powder. All useful and medicinal properties of the plant "inherited" and powder.

It is used in dry form, eating half a teaspoon before a meal. The powder must be washed down with a large amount of liquid (150-200 ml). In the absence of discomfort in the intestines, you can gradually increase the dosage to 1 tablespoon. Also, the powder is added to ready meals and pastries. Store the product in an airtight bag or glass container for 18 months. In the absence of contraindications, ground pear powder cannot harm a person. The consumed dosage should be increased gradually, since the risk of flatulence is high.

Contraindications to the use of Jerusalem artichoke

Means based on earthen pear and fresh harvest should not be used with individual intolerance.
Attention! If you are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, it is best to avoid this valuable product or do an allergy test first.

The beneficial properties of inulin and other dietary fibers can cause discomfort. While the body gets used to a new product, increased gas formation is often noted. The product has only one contraindication - flatulence. With frequent occurrences, it is better to abandon the use of plant materials.

How to store and prepare Jerusalem artichoke for the winter

At the beginning of the article, it is said that the farmers failed because of the inability to store a large amount of the crop. A fresh root crop wrapped in cling film is stored in the refrigerator for only 3-4 weeks. Then the spine is flabby, begins to rot. A small amount of the product can be placed on a vegetable shelf, the rest is more expedient to process - pickle, freeze or dry. Waxing or a clay "shirt" will help to extend the freshness up to six months. These methods involve dipping the unwashed root into paraffin melt or liquid clay.

The best way to store the crop is wintering in the garden. An amazing vegetable from frost will become sweeter, retain its useful composition. You will have to tinker with the frozen ground, but the extraction of fresh selected roots is worth it!

By the way! It is best to harvest in the spring before the nodules begin to produce young shoots.

How to choose Jerusalem artichoke when buying

When purchasing root crops in the market or in the supermarket, pay attention to external inspection. A good product does not have flabby, damaged areas, dents. To the touch, the root crop is dense with intact skin, covered with neat eyes.

Jerusalem artichoke is commonly called an earthen pear and a sun root. The plant is like a sunflower, it grows up. In cooking, only the Jerusalem artichoke root is used, which resembles ginger. The fruit is difficult to attribute to a household culture, however, experienced housewives have adapted to grow Jerusalem artichoke in their backyards. In this case, information about the harm, benefits and properties of the plant will become useful. Let's talk about everything in order.

Jerusalem artichoke: composition

Jerusalem artichoke does not contain fat and cholesterol. In 100 gr. root crop has 81 gr. water, about 1 gr. fiber, 1 gr. ash, about 3 gr. protein, 14-15 gr. carbohydrates, 0.1 gr. pectin.

In addition, the plant includes vitamins useful for humans: B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP, C. The following are distinguished from the elements: sodium, phosphorus, inulin, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, zinc and others.

The vegetable does not have a high calorie content, in 100 gr. contains 61 kcal. A wide range of useful enzymes allows the use of Jerusalem artichoke in cooking, cosmetology, medicine, as an industrial crop.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke

As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of vitamins and elements in Jerusalem artichoke. Each enzyme has a specific benefit.

1. Phosphorus - is responsible for the full functioning of the kidneys, heart muscle and liver. It strengthens bone tissue, provides the body with sufficient energy for the whole working day, activates mental and physical activity.
2. Copper - cleanses the human body of free radicals, enhances the hematopoietic function (normalization of circulation), is responsible for all anabolic processes, forms bones.
3. Calcium - removes poisons, slags and toxins from the walls of internal organs, supplies muscle tissue with oxygen, strengthens the heart, normalizes blood pressure, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and nails.
4. Silicon - stops the formation of kidney stones, promotes the full functioning of the urinary tract, saturates the bone tissue with minerals. The element improves blood clotting, participates in the formation of nerve cells and epithelium.
5. Sodium - maintains water / acid balance at the desired level, removes excess salts and alkalis, ensures proper contraction of skeletal muscles, promotes accelerated blood circulation. The content of the element in the composition increases the metabolic processes of the whole organism.
6. Magnesium - eliminates complex inflammation, thickens the walls of blood vessels, capillaries and the heart. It normalizes the activity of the central nervous system, removes toxins, puts the gastrointestinal tract in order, and forms the skeleton.
7. Iron - promotes the synthesis of thyroid hormones, boosts the immune system, stops the accumulation of pathogens, leads to the formation of red blood cells in the right amount.
8. Zinc - accelerates bone formation, improves reproductive function, heals complex abrasions from the inside, activates the brain, synthesizes insulin.
9. Potassium - is responsible for the work of the heart, providing an approach to the muscle of blood and oxygen. It normalizes arterial and venous pressure, relieves spasms, tones the water balance, relieves limbs and the whole body of swelling, speeds up metabolism.
10. Ash - allows you to slow down blood clotting, heals wounds and removes inflammation, helps to stop blood clots inside blood vessels and capillaries. It serves as a catalyst that provokes the pancreas to produce natural insulin.
11. Protein - maintains the hormonal background of men, women and adolescents at the required level (excludes jumps), promotes erection, transports hemoglobin. It improves immunity, eliminates the formation of fat around the internal organs, allows you to build muscle mass, and synthesizes insulin.
12. Fiber - reduces the risk of serious diseases (colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, dysbacteriosis, diabetes, obesity, enteritis, atherosclerosis). It boosts the immune system during the flu, promotes weight loss, lowers glucose levels and maintains sugar levels. In addition, fiber eliminates the formation of kidney stones, removes harmful compounds from the intestines, relieves constipation and diarrhea.
13. Pectin - has absorbent properties. It removes heavy impurities, salts, slags, poisons. It also improves intestinal motility, strengthens the walls of the arteries, increases metabolism, and reduces the risk of cholesterol plaque formation. Pectin protects the internal organs from the action of strong antibiotics, normalizes the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.
14. Organic and fatty acids - stop salt deposits in the joints, increase the acidity of the stomach, contribute to the full construction of cell membranes, speed up digestion due to abundant salivation, raise all the body's metabolic processes to a "working" level.
15. Ascorbic acid - increases the production of collagen and elastin fibers, due to this, the elimination of wrinkles and partial smoothing of the skin is achieved. Vitamin C has antispasmodic, bactericidal, anti-allergic, vasoconstrictive properties. The element thickens bones, nails, hair follicles, removes urea from the blood, accelerates the release of adrenal hormones, and stops malignant formations in the gastrointestinal tract.
16. Vitamin B - accelerates the production of sex hormones, synthesizes hemoglobin in the blood, is involved in the activation of brain and central nervous system processes. Regular use of the root crop reduces physical and mental fatigue, eliminates insomnia, improves vision and breathing, and tones the work of the kidneys and pancreas.
17. Retinol - has a preventive effect during the cold season, develops the work of all internal organs, supports cell differentiation, strengthens membranes, and provides full regeneration of skin tissues. Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system, so it is often added to pharmacy vitamins.
18. Inulin - cleanses the body, in particular the digestive tract, from pathogens, relieves diarrhea and bloating, promotes rapid absorption of selenium, stops nausea and vomiting (relevant for infectious diseases and after a large feast). Jerusalem artichoke inulin strengthens the walls of the stomach, has antioxidant properties.
19. Vitamin PP - helps eliminate kidney stones, removes excess fluid, maintains blood pressure and reduces the risk of tachycardia, strengthens hair follicles, regenerates skin cells. Often, Jerusalem artichoke root is used for cosmetic purposes to relieve inflammation and heal wounds, fight dandruff and seborrhea.
20. Water - accelerates all metabolic processes in the body, without it it is impossible to achieve the correct functioning of internal organs. A special effect is exerted on the male and female reproductive system (the risk of infertility is reduced, the reproductive function is increased, etc.).

Jerusalem artichoke has a positive effect on the state of the still unformed child's body.

1. Thanks to the research of world scientists, it has been proven that eating the root of the plant with food increases appetite, eliminates the precipitation of salts in the urine, promotes the growth of hemoglobin, and strengthens the immune system.
2. The root crop normalizes intestinal motility, eliminating colic, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence. A large accumulation of minerals facilitates the activity of the liver and kidneys, removes excess harmful fluid.
3. With proper use, the bone and muscle tissues of the child grow, taking into account age without deviations. However, you can offer a vegetable only to children 5+, the younger generation (from 1 year old) should stew or boil the root crop in advance.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke juice

Many people have adapted to make juice based on the plant. The drink also has a lot of useful qualities, if consumed in moderation.

1. Jerusalem artichoke juice restores pigmentation of the skin, protects the epidermis from direct ultraviolet radiation and harsh weather conditions.
2. The drink quenches thirst, has mild diuretic and laxative properties, eliminates constipation.
3. The composition is recommended for use by people with gastritis of all stages, ulcers and other diseases of the stomach. It reduces the secretion of bile, stops neoplasms.
4. Jerusalem artichoke juice reduces blood sugar, which is beneficial for the health of diabetics.
5. Anti-cold properties allow you to correct the immune system between seasons, when the body suffers from a lack of vitamins and a sharp change in weather conditions.
6. People experiencing constant pain in the joints should consume Jerusalem artichoke juice daily in small quantities (1 teaspoon each). Due to the strengthening of the bone membranes, cartilage is not erased, stiffness when walking and severe discomfort are eliminated.

Even despite all the above useful qualities, you should familiarize yourself with the harm that a plant can carry.

1. First of all, it is important to mention individual intolerance. If you notice that you often suffer from allergies, start eating Jerusalem artichoke with small portions. If after a certain period there are no side effects, feel free to include the vegetable in your daily diet.
2. Some people notice a disorder in the activity of the gastrointestinal tract when they first meet raw Jerusalem artichoke. Discomfort is bloating, diarrhea. The reason is inulin, which leaves the body in an unsplit state. If you suffer from flatulence, eat a boiled or stewed vegetable.
3. In pharmacies and health food stores, you can find a food supplement called Jerusalem artichoke fiber. Read the contraindications before use. These include cholelithiasis, duodenal ulcer and stomach ulcer, individual intolerance, sleep problems, pancreatitis in the acute stage, high blood pressure, the presence of adhesions in the intestine.

Jerusalem artichoke is famous for its beneficial properties. It is recommended for use by diabetics, children over 5 years of age, men and women with hormonal imbalances. Plant juice is useful for those who suffer from diabetes, persistent bloating, gastritis and constipation. The harm of the root crop lies in individual intolerance, be careful before the first acquaintance.

Video: Jerusalem artichoke recipes