Sunchokes

Also known as Jerusalem Artichokes

Nov 20, 2023

(Photo Credits Jessica L. Chipps)

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called sunroot, Sunchoke, wild sunflower,[2] topinambur,[2] or earth apple, is a species of sunflower native to central North America.[3][4] It is cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable. [Thank you, Wikipedia]

From the Tarn:

A Happy Thanksgiving!

I became fascinated with the Sunchoke after I read somewhere that Sacajewa probably foraged these for the Lewis and Clark expedition. These root veggies appealed to my history/survival bend.

But I will advise. Eat with caution. I have them fermenting on my counter, and if I’m sure I’m not going anywhere, they are delicious plain or in salads. Unfortunately, I love them roasted best. I ate the entire tray and paid dearly in the form of gastrointestinal distress. Emphasis on distress. But I’m a foodie and a sucker when it comes to forage-etables; I take lots of risks. But the caution I recommend is primarily a social risk I am unwilling to take— if you know what I mean, but I’m too polite to say.

But the ferine creatures of the North End don’t have my digestive inhibitions.

A Thanksgiving At Mossy Brim

Vel scanned his eyes over the table. He had never seen a spread this big. Ane, Trilly, Mrs. Whitebelly, and Mrs. Tidbit each brought their favorite dishes. The smells were familiar; biscuits and dumplings were things Ane and her ma made better than anyferine. But Mrs. Whitebelly brought something Vel had never had before. She lifted off the lid, exposing heaps of crispy, browned layers. The scent of parsley joined the unfamiliar aroma.

“Sunchokes,” Mrs. Whitebelly said proudly. “And I brought pickled ones too!” She shifted the heavy clay jar on her hip and set it on the table. “Here, try one.”

Vel opened the lid, and the pungent aroma of fermented garlic hit his nose. Mrs. Whitebelly poked a splinter into the jar and pulled out a white wedge. Vel sunk his incisors into the crisp, pickled Sunchoke. The crunch was delightful, and the sting of spice woke his tastebuds, calling for more. Maybe this was even better than Trilly’s puffball dumplings!

“Get yer places!” Pa called. The room was hushed all but for the rustle of breeches and skirts sliding onto the benches at the table. Agrimony held her pups, one in each paw, restraining their tiny paws from grabbing the spoons before the blessing was asked. Mr. Whitebelly cleared his throat sanctimoniously and patted one of the doepups on her head.

“We will give thanks. . . “

Ane, sitting across from Vel, smiled. There was a twinkle in her eye that soothed like a balm over Vel’s heart. Just then, all was well, and a rush of gratitude for his new family filled him to the brim. It was as if he had the sweetest flavor of their voices and cheer. The best taste of all was their love.

The Naturalist's Digest for Children

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