Jerusalem artichokes – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 13 min read

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Key Takeaways

This article explains Nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke raw in simple medical language.
This article explains Health benefits of Jerusalem artichoke in simple medical language.
This article explains How to Eat in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Jerusalem artichokes are also known as sunchoke, the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is native to the eastern United States and Mexico and belongs to a large Compositae family that includes lettuces, globe artichokes, and sunflowers. In spite of its title, the Jerusalem artichoke doesn’t have a relation to Jerusalem and it’s also not just a kind of artichoke. The plant looks like a sunflower, but it also yields a large number of edible tubers that are knobbly and look a lot like ginger in appearance. Tubers are smaller, sweeter, crisper, and nuttier than potatoes. As the Latin name recommends, Jerusalem artichokes develop tubers that are the edible portion of this plant. This plant is not related to the globe artichoke whose edible portion is the developing flower bud. Earth Apple, Sunflower Artichoke, Topinambur, Canada Potato, Sun root, Woodland Sunflower, Girasole, Jerusalem Artichoke, Jerusalem sunflower and Sunchoke are some of the popular common names of Jerusalem Artichoke.

Jerusalem artichokes Quick Facts
Name:	Jerusalem artichokes
Scientific Name:	Helianthus tuberosus
Origin	Eastern United States and Mexico
Colors	Pale brown to white, red and purple
Shapes	Knobby, round clusters, elongated and uneven, ranging in size from 7.5 to 10 cm long, 3–5 cm thick, with nodes, inter nodes and eyes and vaguely resembling ginger root.
Flesh colors	White
Taste	Nutty
Calories	110 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Iron (63.75%) Vitamin B1 (25.00%) Copper (23.33%) Carbohydrate (20.12%) Phosphorus (16.71%)
Health benefits	Boost the immune system, Control cholesterol, Control blood pressure, Muscle Function, Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System, Helps Prevent Premature Aging, Helps Maintain Dental Health

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE – HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS FACTS

Jerusalem artichoke is a multi-branched herbaceous perennial native to eastern United States and Mexico. Even though it is nutty in taste it is found used in number of food recipes and is extremely rich in important nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Name	Jerusalem artichoke
Scientific Name	Helianthus tuberosus
Native	The Eastern United States and Mexico
Common/English Name	Earth Apple, Woodland Sunflower Girasole, Topinambur,Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunflower Artichoke, Jerusalem sunflower, Sunroot, Sunchoke, Canada Potato
Name in Other Languages	Arabic: Tartűf Turkish: Beyaz Yer Elmasi Norwegian: Jordskokk Russian: Topinambur Chinese: Ju Qian Slovencina: Slnečnica hľuznatá Italian: Carciofo Di Terra Danish: Jordskok Swedish: Jordärtskocka Dutch: Aardaartisjok Esperanto: Helianto tubera Finnish: Maa-Artisokka Vietnamese: Cúc Vu Spanish: Aguaturma Korean: Ttung Dahn Ji Portuguese: Girassol-batateiro French: Artichaut De Jérusalem German: Erdbirne Czech: Slunečnice topinambur Welsh: Artisiog Jerwsalem Japanese: Kiku Imo Polish: Słonecznik bulwiasty Slovašcina: Laška Brazil: Batata-Tupinambá Hungarian: Csicsóka Thai: Thantawan-Hua Estonian: Maapim India Suurajamuu ( Hindi )
Plant Growth Habit	Multi branched herbaceous perennial
Growing Climate	Sub-zero to hot temperatures
Soil	Best in friable, moderately well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Plant Size	1.5–3 m high
Root	Fibrous roots with thin cord-like rhizomes (horizontal underground stems) that grow as long as 50 inches.
Root Shape & Size	Knobby, round clusters, elongated and uneven, ranging in size from 7.5 to 10 cm long, 3–5 cm thick, with nodes, internodes and eyes and vaguely resembling ginger root.
Root Color	Pale brown to white, red and purple
Flesh Color	White
Flavor/Aroma	Nutty, artichoke-like
Taste	sweet nutty taste
Stem	Grows as tall as 12 feet, and are stout, rough, hairy, ridged. Stems can become woody over time.
Leaf	Opposite (2 leaves per node) on the lower part of the stem, and alternate (1 leaf per node) near the top of the stem. Leaves are 4 to 10 inches long and nearly heart-shaped with a broad oval base and pointed tip. The thick leaves have 3 distinct main veins, coarsely-toothed margins, and attach to the stem by way of a winged stalk (petiole). The upper leaf surface has coarse hairs while the lower surface has soft hairs.
Flowering Season	August to October
Flower	Yellow and produced in capitate flowerheads, which are 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets and 60 or more small disc florets.
Fruit	Cypselae 5–7 mm, glabrous or distally hairy; pappi with 2 aristate scales and 0–1 deltoid scales.
Seed	Smooth, wedge-shaped, and gray or brown with black mottling.
Season	March and May
Varieties/Types	Fuseau, Dwarf Sunray
Major Nutrition	Iron, Fe 5.1 mg (63.75%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.3 mg (25.00%) Copper, Cu 0.21 mg (23.33%) Carbohydrate 26.16 g (20.12%) Phosphorus, P 117 mg (16.71%) Potassium, K 644 mg (13.70%) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.95 mg (12.19%) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.596 mg (11.92%) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.116 mg (8.92%) Choline 45 mg (8.18%)
Health Benefits	Boost the immune system Control cholesterol Control blood pressure Muscle Function Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System Helps Prevent Premature Aging Helps Maintain Dental Health
Calories in 1cup (100gm)	110 Kcal

Plant

Jerusalem artichoke is a tall, hardy, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1.5–3 m high with a yellow flower like a sunflower. It will grow in any soil but prefers friable, moderately well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It does best in temperate climates. It has fibrous roots with thin cord-like rhizomes that grow as long as 50 inches. Stems grow as tall as 12 feet and are stout, rough, ridged, and hairy. Stems will become woody over time. Leaves are opposite (2 leaves per node) on the lower part of the stem, and alternate (1 leaf per node) near the top of the stem. Leaves are 4 to 10 inches long and almost heart-shaped with a broad oval base and pointed tip. The thick leaves have 3 distinct main veins, coarsely-toothed margins, and attach to the stem by way of a winged stalk (petiole). The upper leaf surface has coarse hairs while the lower surface has soft hairs. Flowers are yellow and produced in capitate flower heads that are 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets and 60 or smaller disc florets. Fruits are Cypselae 5–7 mm, glabrous or distally hairy; pappi with 2 aristate scales and 0–1 deltoid scales. Seeds are smooth, wedge-shaped, and gray or brown with black mottling.

Root

Jerusalem artichoke is cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber that is used as a root vegetable. The tubers are knobby, round clusters, elongated and uneven, ranging in size from 7.5 to 10 cm long, 3–5 cm thick, with nodes, internodes, and eyes and unclearly resembling ginger root. It is normally pale brown to white, red, and purple in color while the inner flesh is white in color. It has a nutty flavor which is similar to artichoke and has a sweet nutty taste. The peak season for Jerusalem artichoke harvesting is from March and May. Due to its nutty taste and beneficial nutrients, it is found used in several food items as well as ancient traditional medications.

History

Jerusalem artichoke is an ancient Amerindian indigenous to eastern North America from Maine west to Dakota and southwards to northern Florida and Texas. Jerusalem artichoke is native to North America and may have originated in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. The very first written account of the plant was a report issued in 1605 by Champlain, a European explorer, who observed Native Americans growing Jerusalem artichoke along with corn and beans in a Cape Cod garden. The species was introduced to Europe in 1612 where it gained popularity as both human and animal food. Its current range in North America extends from the East Coast to the Midwest and from southern Canada to Georgia. This native plant dwells in roadsides, riverbanks, fencerows, and agronomic fields, selecting rich, moist soils. It is now extensively grown in many places around the world, including North America, Germany, France, Italy, East European countries, China, and also (in spite of low suitability) in some tropical countries in the cooler highlands (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Zaire, and Nigeria).

Nutritional value of Jerusalem artichoke raw

Serving Size: 1 Cup, 150 g

Calories 110 Kcal.Calories from Fat 0.18 Kcal.

Proximity	Amount	% DV
Water	117.02 g	N/D
Energy	110 Kcal	N/D
Energy	456 kJ	N/D
Protein	3 g	6.00%
Total Fat (lipid)	0.02 g	0.06%
Ash	3.81 g	N/D
Carbohydrate	26.16 g	20.12%
Total dietary Fiber	2.4 g	6.32%
Total Sugars	14.4 g	N/D

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	21 mg	2.10%
Iron, Fe	5.1 mg	63.75%
Magnesium, Mg	26 mg	6.19%
Phosphorus, P	117 mg	16.71%
Potassium, K	644 mg	13.70%
Sodium, Na	6 mg	0.40%
Zinc, Zn	0.18 mg	1.64%
Copper, Cu	0.21 mg	23.33%
Manganese, Mn	0.09 mg	3.91%
Selenium, Se	1 µg	1.82%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.3 mg	25.00%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.09 mg	6.92%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.95 mg	12.19%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.596 mg	11.92%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.116 mg	8.92%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	20 µg	5.00%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	20 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	20 µg	N/D
Choline	45 mg	8.18%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	6 mg	6.67%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE	2 µg	0.29%
Vitamin A, IU	30 IU	N/D
Beta Carotene	18 µg	N/D
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	0.28 mg	1.87%
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	0.2 µg	0.17%

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	0.006 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	0.006 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.002 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.002 g	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs.

Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2978

Health benefits of Jerusalem artichoke

Also known as sunchoke, sun root, and earth apple all over the world, this vegetable Jerusalem artichoke does not really have any association with Jerusalem and has an array of health benefits that many are unaware of Listed are some popular benefits of consuming Jerusalem artichoke:

1. Control cholesterol

Soluble fiber present in Jerusalem artichoke helps to lower blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol levels. Apart from that fiber is also beneficial for other heart health benefits like reducing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation and blood pressure. Raw Jerusalem artichoke consists of 2.4 g of Fiber which is 6.32% of the daily recommended value.

2. Control blood pressure

Jerusalem artichoke consists of a considerable amount of potassium and a minimal amount of sodium, which is helpful in lowering blood pressure. One cup of raw tuber contains 644 mg of potassium and only 6 milligrams of sodium. Similarly, the fiber content in the Jerusalem artichoke is supportive in improving the performance of insulin in the body, which helps in the lowering of blood pressure.

3. Boost the immune system

Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E are available in Jerusalem artichoke in minimal amounts. All these vitamins along with flavonoid compounds like carotenes help seek and remove free radicals, providing the body protection from cancers, viral cough, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, and the common cold. One cup of raw tuber consists of 2 µg of vitamin A, 6 mg of vitamin C, and 0.28 mg of vitamin E.

4. Muscle Function

Iron which is sufficiently found in Jerusalem artichoke is an essential element for better muscle health. Iron is present in the muscle tissue and helps to provide the supply of oxygen that is needed for the contraction of muscles. Without sufficient iron, the muscle will lose its tone and elasticity which leads to muscle weakness and muscle weakness is one of the major indications of anemia.

5. Supports a Healthy Cardiovascular System

Jerusalem artichoke consists of a sufficient amount of Thiamine which is essential for producing neurotransmitters called acetylcholine which is used to relay messages between nerves and muscle. Our heart is one of the main muscles that rely on these crucial signals. So as to maintain proper cardiac function and healthy heartbeat rhythms, the nerves and muscles must be able to use bodily energy to keep signaling to each other.

Recent research has shown that thiamine is helpful in combating heart disease since it maintains healthy ventricular function and helps treat heart failure.

6. Helps Prevent Premature Aging

Copper is a powerful antioxidant that is present in Jerusalem artichoke which works in presence of antioxidant superoxide dismutase to safeguard the cell membranes from free radicals. It is one of the powerful antioxidants which helps to fight against free radicals. Free radicals may attack several organs systems but are particularly studied in terms of their effects on aging like age spots, wrinkles, macular degeneration as well as kidney malfunctions. Therefore a sufficient amount of Copper is required for looking younger for a longer time. Raw Jerusalem artichoke consists of 0.21 mg of copper which is 23.33% of the daily recommended value.

7. Helps Maintain Dental Health

Jerusalem artichoke consists of a huge amount of phosphorus which is bone and tooth healthy. Phosphorus along with calcium and vitamin D plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of dental health by supporting tooth enamel, jaw bone mineral density. Apart from that these vitamins and minerals also help to heal tooth decay.

Basically, children need foods that are high in phosphorus and calcium while they are developing adult teeth in order to form teeth’ hard structures. Vitamin D is required along with phosphorus to control the body’s balance of calcium and improve its absorption during tooth formation. Vitamin D can also help to decrease infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of gums which is related to periodontal gum disease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuwNPdHs430

How to Eat

It is used as a vegetable that could be baked, mashed, steamed, or made into soups, pickles, and sauces or eaten raw in salads.
They are good grated into fresh salads and are a perfect snack for dieters.
Boiled and mashed, they are somewhat similar to potatoes and can be used like potatoes in most recipes and can be used in a delicious and nourishing soup.
Jerusalem artichokes can also make delicious French fries.
They are outstanding when pickled.
Jerusalem artichokes can be roasted like potatoes with fowl or meat or baked with cream and cheese for a delicious scalloped/au gratin.
Roasted tubers are used as a coffee substitute.
Tubers can also be used for the production of alcohol and fructans.
Tubers being rich in inulin are an important source of fructose for the industry.
They are used to make sweetening and inulin-rich floury products.
Jerusalem artichoke bread prepared from tuber powder displayed a high quality in organoleptic evaluation.
In France, artichokes have been used for wine and beer production for many years.

Other Traditional uses and benefits of Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is stated to be aphrodisiac, cholagogue, aperient, diuretic, spermatogenic, stomachic, and tonic.
It has been reported to be used as a folk remedy for rheumatism and insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
Leaves of H. tuberosus showed antipyretic, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects and were used as folk medicine in China for the treatment of skin wounds, bone fracture, swelling, and pain.
Tubers are used as folk remedies for the treatment of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes in Turkey.

Other Facts

Jerusalem artichoke had proven to be a rich source of inulin and was well characterized as potential crop for commercial fructose production.

Precautions

The Jerusalem artichokes may cause allergic reactions to persons who are reactive to the family of Composite.
Sunchokes may perhaps produce gall stones that may be deteriorated by the elevated bile flow.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.