Jerusalem artichoke: useful properties and contraindications, cooking recipes

Not so long ago, root crops of an unusual shape with the outlandish name Jerusalem artichoke began to appear on store shelves and markets. Although this vegetable has unique qualities, few people know the benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke, and therefore it will be useful to understand its properties.

What does Jerusalem artichoke look like and where does it grow?

Jerusalem artichoke, also called earthen pear, sun root and Jerusalem artichoke, is a perennial herb. It has a straight, hairy stem, 1.5 to 3 m in height, and oblong serrated leaves. The flowers are deep yellow and resemble a sunflower, but smaller. They reach 5-10 cm in diameter.

The most prominent part of the earthen pear is the tubers, since they have the most beneficial properties. They are similar in appearance to potatoes, but less even and more juicy. They lie at a depth of 15 cm and can weigh from 20 to 100 g. The color of the tubers varies relative to the variety. Typically, white, yellow, red and purple varieties are found. The taste of Jerusalem artichoke root vegetables is sweetish and similar to white cabbage.

Jerusalem artichoke comes from North America, and although it was brought to Europe in the 16th century, it gained wide popularity only in our time. Today, the earthen pear is grown for technical, food and decorative purposes around the world.

Composition, calorie content and nutritional value

The composition of Jerusalem artichoke surprises with a variety of useful trace elements. It contains potassium, calcium, silicon, magnesium, sodium, fluorine, iodine. However, its benefits are not limited to this. Ground pear tubers contain significant amounts of iron, fiber and amino acids essential for humans, such as lysine, tryptophan and arginine. It serves as a rich source of vitamins B6, C, PP, and the content of vitamins B1, B2 in it is several times higher than that in beets and carrots.

In addition, Jerusalem artichoke contains the unique carbohydrate inulin, which is a natural alternative to insulin. It accounts for up to 25% of the total weight of the root crop, and a considerable part of the beneficial properties of the Jerusalem artichoke is associated with it.

Jerusalem artichoke can, without any reservations, be considered a dietary product, since it consists of 80% water. Another 17% are hard-to-digest carbohydrates and dietary fiber.The proportion of fat in it is insignificant, and the calorie content of 100 g of this root vegetable is only 61 kcal.

Why Jerusalem artichoke is useful for the body

Due to the whole list of vitamins and minerals, Jerusalem artichoke provides tremendous benefits for the human body. It is considered a very effective tool in the complex treatment of many diseases, such as:

• gout;
• hypertension;
• urolithiasis disease;
• colitis;
• gastritis;
• obesity;
• stomach ulcer;
• pancreatitis.

In addition, the presence of iron in the roots and leaves of the earthen pear prevents the development of anemia and increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Fiber is responsible for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and helps to cleanse cells of harmful toxins and radionuclides. It also serves as a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria that heal the intestinal microflora. At the same time, magnesium and potassium have the ability to neutralize the harmful effects of the environment and strengthen the immune system.

However, Jerusalem artichoke owes most of its beneficial properties to inulin, which reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. It has a positive effect on the pancreas and regulates sugar levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes. In addition, it has antibacterial properties, which helps a person fight infections and eliminate bloating.

For adult men and women

The beneficial properties of the earthen pear have proven themselves well for various digestive disorders, such as constipation and diarrhea. It improves blood circulation in the mucous membranes of the body, due to which wounds heal faster and the body's ability to recover in the postoperative period increases.

Jerusalem artichoke has also proven beneficial for men. The earthen pear contains components, due to the properties of which selenium is better absorbed - an important trace element for maintaining potency. Daily use of Jerusalem artichoke reduces the risk of diseases of the genitourinary system and has a beneficial effect on men's health.

An earthen pear is also considered useful for women. In particular, it effectively cleanses the skin of the face, gives it a healthy complexion and prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles.

For pregnant and nursing

During pregnancy, women are especially attentive to their menu. Many products fall on the "black list" because of the potential harm to the organism of the unborn child, but, fortunately, Jerusalem artichoke is not among them, as it is extremely beneficial. Its antibacterial properties help to eliminate dysbiosis and relieve symptoms of toxicosis, eliminate vomiting, heartburn and nausea.

The useful amino acids in the earthen pear not only have a positive effect on the development of the fetus, participating in the formation of all internal systems, but also regulate the work of the mother's nervous system, helps to cope with insomnia and stress.

Breastfeeding women can also include Jerusalem artichoke in their diet without fear of harming themselves or their baby. On the contrary, an earthen pear will become a useful vitamin aid for mom and baby during this period, as it will help activate the body's defenses and resist harmful pathogenic bacteria. The minerals contained in Jerusalem artichoke will also be useful. Calcium will strengthen bones and teeth, and magnesium will support the work of the heart muscle and blood vessels.

For seniors

Older people will also appreciate the beneficial properties of an earthen pear. The combination of the properties of such macroelements as magnesium and potassium allows Jerusalem artichoke to be an effective preventive and therapeutic agent in the case of diseases of the cardiovascular system. It normalizes blood pressure, maintains vascular tone and eliminates the appearance of blood clots and cholesterol plaques.The hard-to-digest carbohydrates of the earth pear help to improve digestion and speed up metabolism. Calcium and magnesium, in turn, affect joint health and bone strength.

Is it possible to give Jerusalem artichoke to children

Jerusalem artichoke can be given even to young children without fear of causing harm to health. An earthen pear rich in vitamins will help the child cope with harmful microorganisms during the off-season and improve the functioning of all systems of the growing body.

Jerusalem artichoke for weight loss

Another very pleasant property of Jerusalem artichoke is its benefits for weight loss. It is an excellent means for cleaning the body of harmful substances, regulates metabolic processes in tissues and accelerates blood circulation. All this leads to the fact that the body burns extra pounds and centimeters more easily. The earthen pear itself contains a small amount of calories, while giving a feeling of fullness for a long time, so it is perfect for a diet.

Traditional medicine recipes based on Jerusalem artichoke

The healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke are widely used not only in traditional but also in folk medicine. Moreover, for the preparation of home remedies, various parts of the earthen pear are used, since not only the roots, but also the leaves, flowers and juice of Jerusalem artichoke are useful. On the basis of vegetable raw materials, decoctions, tinctures, ointments, kvass, tea, and even coffee are prepared.

Decoction

For a long time, folk healers have noted the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke roots. It is the roots that serve as a component of most preparations from earthen pears, in particular, decoctions. They are usually prepared from raw tubers, but you can also use dried ones. For this:

• 5 raw root vegetables or 3 tbsp. l. dried rhizomes of Jerusalem artichoke pour 1 liter of water.
• They are boiled in water (fresh tubers - 15 minutes, chopped - 30 minutes).
• Consume a ready-made decoction of 1 liter per day 3 times a week.

Such a decoction of Jerusalem artichoke can be taken as an additional treatment for a number of diseases or as a general tonic.

Infusion

The beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke flowers are also used for medicinal purposes. For example, you can make a decoction from them for colds and stomach diseases:

• 2 tbsp. l. plant materials are brewed in 500 ml of boiling water.
• Insist for 20 minutes, then filter.
• Take a drink of 120 ml 1 time per day before meals.

Alcohol tincture

Jerusalem artichoke leaves have a lot of useful properties, which remove harmful substances from the body, cleanse the liver and increase its resistance to harmful external influences. Earthen pear leaves are used to make alcohol tincture according to the following recipe:

• 500 g of dried Jerusalem artichoke leaves are poured into 1 liter of alcohol - alcohol or vodka.
• Insist the composition in a dark place away from sunlight for 2 weeks.
• Then the product is filtered.
• Use 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, after diluting the tincture in 150 ml of water or tea.

Jerusalem artichoke juice

It is impossible to deny the benefits of Jerusalem artichoke tubers juice, especially for people with upper respiratory tract diseases of varying severity. To get juice, you need:

• Wash fresh roots thoroughly and peel them.
• Pass the tubers through a juicer or meat grinder.
• Squeeze out the liquid from the resulting raw material.
• Strain.

You can use Jerusalem artichoke vitamin liquid inside or as nasal drops for runny nose and ARVI.

Jerusalem artichoke tea

Tea with Jerusalem artichoke is practically in no way inferior to juice in its benefits. This hot drink not only speeds up metabolism and promotes weight loss, but also has anti-inflammatory and choleretic properties. To prepare it you need:

• Peel the Jerusalem artichoke root vegetables and grind them in a blender.
• Place the resulting puree in a thermos with boiling water.
• Infuse the drink for 8 hours.

Jerusalem artichoke coffee

Fans of invigorating morning drinks will be interested to learn about the benefits of Jerusalem artichoke coffee. This exotic drink has an unusual taste, is energizing and does not contain caffeine. For this reason, it is recommended to drink it for hypertensive patients and easily excitable people as a less harmful analogue of the usual coffee. The recipe for the drink is as follows:

• The tubers are thoroughly peeled and cut into slices.
• Fry in a dry frying pan until golden brown, allow to cool.
• After that, the roots of Jerusalem artichoke are ground in a coffee grinder until a powder is obtained.
• They are brewed in a Turk over low heat like regular coffee.

Jerusalem artichoke oil

Some pharmacies offer to purchase Jerusalem artichoke oil, which is a squeeze from the plant raw material of an earthen pear and has the same beneficial properties as other products based on it. It is used both internally and externally, and can serve as a vitamin supplement to food or an additional component of cosmetic formulations.

Jerusalem artichoke kvass

Not only coffee and Jerusalem artichoke tea are beneficial, but also kvass. To make it you need:

• Pour peeled and washed earthen pear tubers with cold water.
• Leave the container with the workpiece in a warm, dark place for 3 - 4 days.
• Drink 0.5 liters a day to quench your thirst or to prevent constipation and intestinal disorders.

How to take Jerusalem artichoke for medicinal purposes

At the moment, the useful and harmful properties of Jerusalem artichoke have not been thoroughly studied. But, according to doctors, the raw materials of this plant do not harm human health. The wide range of medicinal properties of the earthen pear makes it a valuable addition to the daily diet, and in combination with a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, its benefits increase significantly.

With diabetes mellitus

People with diabetes will appreciate the benefits of Jerusalem artichoke, because unlike other root vegetables, which, in one way or another, contain glucose and can cause harm, it is absolutely safe. Moreover, the earthen pear contains inulin, which breaks down sugar in the body and regulates the pancreas. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke will benefit diabetics in almost any form. Both infusions and decoctions and dishes made from it are suitable. Raw or boiled earthen pear has proven itself especially well if you use 1 tuber 3 times a day before meals. Bread made from Jerusalem artichoke powder, which can be an excellent substitute for diabetic loaves on fructose, also has considerable benefits.

For constipation

An excellent remedy for relieving constipation will be the juice of an earthen pear, half diluted with water. It has laxative and diuretic properties and allows you to cleanse the intestines without harmful effects. It should be consumed 1 time in the morning before meals, 50 ml.

With gastritis and stomach ulcers

Infusion of earthen pear will be effective for gastritis with high acidity and stomach ulcers. Jerusalem artichoke juice will also have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, since, among other useful properties, it is able to restore the acid-base balance of the intestinal microflora and has an anti-inflammatory effect. To reduce painful sensations, you should take a drink from Jerusalem artichoke before meals 3 times a day, 2 tbsp. l.

For the treatment of joints

To eliminate discomfort and reduce pain in arthritis, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the joints, as well as speed up recovery after fractures and sprains, baths with a decoction of an earthen pear will be useful:

• For 8 liters of cold water, you will need 1 kg of raw or 200 g of dried Jerusalem artichoke roots.
• The roots are brought to a boil and cooked over low heat for 30 minutes.
• The resulting liquid from the earthen pear is filtered and poured into a bath of warm water.
• They take the procedure for 15 - 20 minutes for 3 weeks.

For liver diseases

Although liver diseases oblige a person to monitor their diet in order to avoid unnecessary stress on the "body filter", Jerusalem artichoke is one of those foods that can be consumed without harm in this state. Its active substances bind harmful toxins, making it easier for the liver to work and at the same time improving blood circulation in it. Therefore, a few raw earthen pear tubers per day or an infusion based on it can restore the working capacity of an overloaded organ and improve the patient's well-being.

With pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, a decoction from the roots of an earthen pear will benefit. Thanks to active inulin, it stabilizes metabolic processes in the pancreas and improves normal blood circulation in the tissues, which significantly alleviates the symptoms of this disease. The beneficial properties of raw or dried Jerusalem artichoke will also help with complex treatment, if you consume 100-150 g of the product daily.

With hypertension

An earthen pear is also effective for hypertensive patients. A variety of substances that are present in it are capable of lowering blood pressure levels. Young Jerusalem artichoke leaves are especially useful in this regard. They are usually recommended to be added to salads chopped and washed. The daily intake of diluted earthen pear juice will not do any harm - 50 ml per day.

For colds and runny nose

Colds and runny nose are much less likely to bother those who have included the roots of an earthen pear in their menu. Jerusalem artichoke juice, diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio, will relieve the symptoms of respiratory tract infections if taken internally before meals 2 - 3 times a day or instilled into the nose several times a day, 10 - 12 drops. Its benefits are also noted for bronchitis, asthma and angina.

Culinary recipes for making Jerusalem artichoke

The uniqueness of the useful properties of the earthen pear has led to the fact that it is gaining more and more popularity in the culinary environment. Despite the fact that Jerusalem artichoke brings the most benefits with minimal heat treatment, that is, in its raw form, it can be boiled, baked, pickled, stewed and even fried, like ordinary potatoes. Delicious side dishes and independent dishes are made from it.

Jerusalem artichoke salad

An earthen pear in combination with citrus and ginger will not only serve as an excellent side dish or a healthy snack, but will also charge you with the necessary vitamins in the autumn-winter period:

• Jerusalem artichoke - 1 pc.;
• carrots - 1 pc.;
• apple - 1 pc.;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• orange - 1 pc.;
• ground ginger - 1 tsp.

Preparation:

• Peel the earthen pear, carrot and apple, then rub them on a coarse grater.
• Juice is squeezed out of an orange and half a lemon for dressing.
• Remove the zest from the second half of the lemon with a fine grater.
• Then add ginger and mix.
• Before serving, season the Jerusalem artichoke salad with citrus squeeze.

Pasta for sandwiches

Breakfast will become even more healthy and nutritious if instead of butter you spread earthen pear paste on the sandwich:

• Jerusalem artichoke - 100 g;
• cheese - 100 g;
• fillet of any fish - 100 g;
• garlic - 1 head;
• greens - 20 g;
• mayonnaise - 5 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

• Grate the cheese and peeled Jerusalem artichoke root on a fine grater.
• Finely chop the fillet and any greens.
• Crush the garlic.
• Combine all ingredients in a deep bowl, add mayonnaise and spices to taste.
• Mix thoroughly until smooth.
• Spread over fresh bread or hot croutons.

Pickled Jerusalem artichoke

For lovers of home seaming, pickled earthen pear root will be a find. By following a fairly simple recipe, you can provide yourself with vitamin salads for the year ahead. To do this, take:

• Jerusalem artichoke - 5 pcs.;
• carrots - 5 pcs.;
• apple cider vinegar - 50 ml;
• honey - 70 g;
• black peppercorns - to taste;
• salt to taste.

Preparation:

• The vegetables are washed and peeled. The earthen pear is cut into slices and the carrots are cut into strips.
• Then put the roots in clean jars, add pepper.
• Salt and honey are dissolved in 1 liter of boiling water, vinegar is poured.
• Pour vegetables with hot liquid and cover.
• Jars are pasteurized for 20 minutes, rolled up, and then turned upside down and allowed to cool.

The use of Jerusalem artichoke in cosmetology

The benefits of the earthen pear have also found application in the beauty industry. The inulin present in Jerusalem artichoke frees skin cells from harmful toxins and oxidants, which has a positive effect on the skin condition. Vitamins B and C maintain the tone of the epidermis and prevent early aging by activating collagen in cells, while amino acids normalize intercellular water balance. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke often serves as a component of various cosmetics, and in their production they use not only its root, but also young leaves, which are also capable of being beneficial. They are added to creams, shampoos and balms, but most often masks are made from them.

Rejuvenating mask for all skin types

Ingredients:

• Jerusalem artichoke - 2-3 pcs.;
• Honey - 0.5 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

• Pre-peeled tubers of earthen pear are chopped in a blender or on a fine grater.
• The vegetable mass is combined with honey and applied to the face.
• Leave for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

You can repeat this procedure 2 - 3 times a week for 2 months. This Jerusalem artichoke mask will intensively moisturize the face and make the contour clearer.

Deep wrinkle mask

Ingredients:

• Jerusalem artichoke - 2 - 3 pcs.;
• medium fat sour cream - 1 tbsp. l .;
• olive oil - 1 tsp

Preparation:

• Jerusalem artichoke roots are grated, juice is squeezed out of the mass.
• 3 tbsp. l. liquids are mixed with sour cream and combined with butter.
• The mixture is thoroughly stirred, applied to the face for 20 minutes, then washed off.

Such a Jerusalem artichoke remedy will noticeably improve the complexion and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment.

How to choose and store Jerusalem artichoke

To get the greatest benefit from Jerusalem artichoke, and minimize the possible harm to human health, it is important to remember a few simple recommendations for choosing and storing the product:

• When buying an earthen pear, you should give preference to dense tubers with intact skin. Jerusalem artichoke roots should not be soft to the touch and have spots and darkening - this is a clear sign that the product will soon go bad.
• Shoots and bumps on the surface of the tuber, on the contrary, are quite acceptable, so you can choose such Jerusalem artichoke without fear of causing harm to the body.
• It is worth choosing an earthen pear from a trusted manufacturer in the store and refrain from buying plant parts on the market. It tends to accumulate in the roots various substances obtained from the soil, both useful and harmful. Unscrupulous growers often take advantage of the buyer's ignorance and sell Jerusalem artichoke grown on fertilizers of dubious quality or in contaminated areas. Such a vegetable is much more likely to bring harm to a person, but not good at all.
• In the open air, fresh earthen pears are stored for a short time - only about 1 week, since juicy roots tend to quickly lose moisture at room temperature. In a cool, dark place (in a cellar, refrigerator), the storage time of Jerusalem artichoke increases to 30 days.
• Freezing the product will help preserve the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke for a longer period. In this form, the product remains usable for 4-6 months.

Conclusion

Although the benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke still leave room for research, at the moment this plant culture has shown almost complete absence of harmful effects on humans. On the contrary, the beneficial properties of the earthen pear not only help maintain health, but are also used to treat various ailments, and its taste properties will be appreciated by lovers of delicious and healthy food.

Reviews