"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

Hippocrates (460–377 BC)

Guided by the mission to produce organic food, we at Botanca Life Foundation, also follow the testament of "The Father of Medicine". We created a demonstration field and organic gardens, where different types of fruits and vegetables are grown in a sustainable way. Our belief is that, through the approach of sustainable agriculture, nutrients in plants can have a truly beneficial effect on ones’s health. One of the plants which takes a special place in our gardens is the Jerusalem artichoke. Let us tell you a little more about it.

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called “Earth Apple”, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. In appearance, it resembles a sunflower - the stems are heavily branched and reach a height of up to 3 meters. The leaves are ovate, pointed and rough, with a width of up to 10 cm and a length of up to 20 cm. 

The homeland of the Jerusalem artichoke is North and Central America. It is considered аs a cultivated plant of the Indians, even before Columbus. Today, the earth apple is widespread in almost every continent. It is grown mainly in Russia, Asia, Australia and North America. In the 18th century, Europe replaced the plant with potatoes. However, it has two very important advantages in terms of its cultivation: it does not suffer from phytophthora and it is not affected by the Colorado potato beetle. The tubers of the Jerusalem artichoke grow until November. The harvest must be done as late as possible in order to ensure that the nutrients from the aboveground part pass into the tuber.

How to keep it fresh after harvesting?

The harvested earth apple tubers dry quickly if left outdoors. They should be stored in a basement at a temperature of about 0 degrees. It is best to place the tubers in a large container and cover them with moist sand, alternating a row of sand with a row of earth apple.

Health benefits

The earth apple is very good for people,diagnosed with diabetes. It helps those, who are suffering from cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, high cholesterol, obesity and various allergies, as well as some immunodeficiency conditions, hair problems and brittle nails. The content of inulin helps the body absorb magnesium and calcium, which makes the consumption of the plant an important prevention measure against osteoporosis. The earth apple helps reduce excess body weight, restores the normal intestinal floraand suppresses harmful intestinal microorganisms. It is aunique tool for purifying blood, liver and kidneys by removing toxins from them.

Ways of cooking and consumption

The Jerusalem artichoke can be consumed fresh, roasted or marinated. The tuber is very nutritious and does not need to be peeled, just washed well. It can be added to salads or roasted as chips. Boiled and mashed, it has almost identical taste to that of potatoes. This determines the possibility of substituting potatoes with Jerusalem artichokein different recipes. 

Hot tea with a slice of it is a great way to boost your immune system during winter.

The team of "BOTANICA" GUEST HOUSE is inviting you to taste some of our dishes, made with Jerusalem artichoke.

Sources:

Гулията - толкова полезна, https://www.sortovisemena.bg/, accessed on 25.11.2021

(in Bulgarian);

Гулията - съкровище в земята, https://www.hera.bg/, accessed on 23.11.2021

(in Bulgarian);

Гулия - Земна Ябълка, https://gotvach.bg/, accessed on 22.11.2021

(in Bulgarian).