I believe I have a bunch of jerus. artichokes growing in my backyard. What are the tell-tale signs for proper identification? I have dug them up, and they have tubars, as the jerus. artichokes have. I'm always worried about eating anything that I can't identify 100% !!! Any suggestions?

-- steve drew (sdrew11@msn.com), November 07, 2001

Answers

Response to jerusalem artichokes

look thru some seed catalogues,, they should have picstures

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 07, 2001.

Response to jerusalem artichokes

Take one to a produce manager, farmers market, or ag extension office.

-- Linda Al-Sangar (alsangal@brentwood-tn.org), November 07, 2001.

Response to jerusalem artichokes

It is best to identify them by the plant. Here is what the Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants says: A tall, coarse sunflower with broad, rough leaves and rough hairy stems. Upper leaves alternate; lower leaves often opposite, occasionally in whorls of three. Central disc of flowers yellow. Large, crisp tubers (often as large as a medium-sized potato) terminate slender runners that radiate from the base of each plant. Grows 6-10 feet tall in colonies. Flowers: Aug-Oct.

You can cut a tuber in half and taste the inside. It should be some what sweet. Hope this helps!

-- Bren (WAYOUTFARM@skybest.com), November 07, 2001.

Response to jerusalem artichokes

google. Search phrase "jerusalem artichoke picture". Second response.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), November 07, 2001.