Learn about the tuber vegetable, including its health benefits and flavor profile.
The sunchoke is a hearty winter vegetable that deserves a spot in your kitchen.
They have knobby, brown skin and creamy white flesh.
Photo: Getty Images
What Do Sunchokes Taste Like?
Sunchokes have an earthy, nutty flavor that some compare to a water chestnut or potato.
When cooked, they develop a more starchy texture with a recognizable artichoke aftertaste.
Their slightly sweet flavor profile makes them a delicious addition to soups or side dishes.
Where to Buy Sunchokes
Sunchokes are best during the fall and winter months.
Look for them at farmers' markets or your local grocery store.
When buying sunchokes, choose ones that are firm, without soft or spongy spots.
Avoid sunchokes that have a shriveled appearance.
It has also been shown to help people maintain regular bowel movements.
Supporting your gut microbes can help with everything fromhealthy weight maintenance to healthy immune function.
How to Cook Sunchokes
The sunchoke is a tasty starchy veg to add to your eating pattern.
Braised, roasted or sauteed, the sunchoke is a nutritious addition to any meal.
Sunchokes are also delicious roasted, as the exterior turns crisp and brown with a tender inside.
Try roasting sunchokes with your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme or pepper and some oil.
Just toss them on a sheet pan and bake them at 425F for about 20 minutes.
To prevent browning and bruising during storage, wrap them in paper towels and store in a plastic bag.
Refrigerate sunchokes for up to one week.
Peeled sunchokes can quickly oxidize.
Prevent browning by soaking peeled sunchokes in some warm lemon water before storing or using.
The Bottom Line
The sunchoke is a great winter vegetable that’s versatile and delicious.
Packed with inulin, sunchokes may help improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels and more.