The garden is coming along. The biggest surprise in the past year has been my introduction of Jerusalem artichokes to the few things I attempt to grow. They are also called sunchokes. They are knobby, edible tubers from a type of sunflower. They are not related to artichokes nor are they from Jerusalem.
You can click here if you want to find out how they were named.
I left the picture enlarged so that you can see the nice foliage on the plant. Because they are a species of sunflower they eventually put out long stems with small yellow flowers at the ends.
I only grow things that are easy to grow. Jerusalem artichokes have fit that description perfectly. The tubers from the plant can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. I have no problem eating a raw one that’s been cleaned. My wife bakes them after cutting them into slices. She sprays them with olive oil cooking spray and then she is pretty generous with the salt and garlic powder. Her last batch was delicious. If you like a bit of a kick you can add pepper. The pepper is too much for me.
I am not a great gardener but these plants have been very productive for me. There is only one drawback. It’s the wind that they may produce. That’s right, flatulence or flatus may be a result of eating them. Between my wife and I, I am the one that has windy results. So, if you are raising boys, particularly those in their teens, proceed with caution.
If you are looking for something easy to grow that is quite productive. you may want to give Jerusalem artichokes a try.
God’s blessings…
Chris Reimers
Wings of the Wind 
Thanks for the introduction to the Jerusalem artichoke, Chris. It’s new to me. I appreciated the history of how the name came to be.
You’re welcome, Tom, and thank you for your comment. I’ve only known about them for a couple of years myself. Last year I bought seven tubers to start with. After splitting them and putting them into three separate grow bags, the yield was at least 100 tubers, some large, some small. This year I have probably planted 30 of the tubers into 4 or 5 grow bags and have even put some in the garden. My garden is the worst place to plant things because I have chosen to allow the trees to grow around it so it gets no sun. I have been pleasantly surprised at the results even in the garden so far. They are looking pretty good.
I don’t have time to fiddle with hard things to grow so I try something new every year and see how it does. So far the bugs have left them alone and if they continue to do this well, they will be a yearly item.
Great read!!
Thank you for your kind words, Jyothi!
Love this. God really does bless even the small things we tend 🙏
Thank you for your kind words, Willie. Yes, God cares for the great and small.
God bless you! 😊
I have never heard of them, but I will see if I can find them. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, bnave. I bought my few originals from a seed company on the internet.
Thank you for letting me know, Chris.
Sure. You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing, Chris. I will share this post with my daughters, who are most into gardening.
You’re welcome, Elizabeth. If your daughters try them, I hope they have the success I have. My experience is that they are very easy to grow.
I haven’t’ heard of these either – perhaps we call them something different… off to google!
Perhaps so. I have to admit that, even though the name is way off, I kinda like it. I appreciate your comment, Linda!
I think it sounds cool!
I’m a little slow, Linda. I thought you were thinking of calling them by a different name. Now, I understand what you were saying. I think it sounds cool, too!
No problem- my mind takes a vacation sometimes too!😂✨
I think mine is mostly on vacation most of the time. 😊
he he!
I have never even heard of these. The story of the name is crazy, too. Thanks Chris.
You’re welcome, Sue. It is a crazy story for sure. I’m willing to try to grow anything that has a good yield. I don’t remember how I learned of these but when I heard they were very productive I had to give them a try. Even for me they have done well but I’m only on my second season so I still don’t have the full picture on pests or disease.
An interesting read and lovely pic of the plant and ladybug.
Thank you, Pepper. I’m glad you liked it. 😊
I never heard of the Jerusalem artichoke. The article was interesting. It’s nice to have a garden. Billy and I were reminiscing recently about the little garden my parents had. So rewarding! Happy gardening, Chris!
I think gardening is a kind of therapy for me. I’ve been doing it for about 20 years now and I feel like I’m still a beginner. Last year was a great year for tomatoes where I live but I’ve learned that every year is different. I appreciate your comment, Cathy. Growing things is rewarding. The benefits go beyond the healthy food for me. Thank you for your kind words!
Nice!
Thank you!
YW!