Wildflowers of the Stuttgart Area
Helianthus tuberosus
| Family : | ASTERACEAE |
| Common Name (UK) : | Jerusalem Artichoke |
| Common Name (DE) : | Topinambur, Knollen-Sonnenblume |
| Common Name (FR) : | Topinambour |
| Habitat : | |
| Remarks : | "It appears to have been cultivated as an article of food by the Indians of North America
before the settlement in that country of Europeans, and very soon attracted the attention of travellers ... When first
introduced, the mode of preparation of the tubers was to boil them till tender, and after peeling, they were eaten sliced
and stewed with butter, wine and spices. They were also baked in pies, with marrow, dates, ginger, raisins, sack, etc.
Parkinson called them 'Potatoes of Canada,' because the French brought them first from Canada. Their flavour is somewhat
sooty when cooked and not agreeable to everyone but they are very nutritious, and boiled in milk form an excellent
accompaniment to roast beef." From Botanical.com. The plant reached Europe in 1600 as a vegetable, and from the mid 18th century was superseded by the potato. |
| First appearing : | August |
| Abundance : |
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