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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Sunchokes are thin-skinned, knobby, and resemble the look of ginger. Measuring an average of 7.5 – 10 centimeters long, these tubers are the root stem of a variety of sunflower that grows up to ten feet tall. Sunchoke varieties can vary in appearance, some have “eyes” similar to potatoes, some are smooth, whereas others are more knobbed. The tubers have a light-beige to tan colored skin, with a crisp and juicy, ivory flesh. Raw Sunchokes have a texture similar to water chestnuts and a sweet, nutty flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Sunchokes are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall and early spring.
Current Facts
Sunchokes are the bulbous tubers of the plant known botanically as Helianthus tuberosus, a variety of sunflower. Sunchokes are also commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke, sunroot, earth apple, and topinambour. The plant is propagated primarily for its root, which can be consumed both raw and cooked. Native to North America, Sunchokes are one of the few vegetables to travel back to the Old World with explorers.
Nutritional Value
The inulin-rich Sunchokes contain no other type of carbohydrate, which is perhaps why some call it “the potato of diabetics.” The sunflower tubers are also high in fiber and have more potassium than most other vegetables.
Applications
Sunchokes can be used in place of potatoes in any recipe, though they have more moisture and no starch, so cooking times can differ. The knobby tuber is said to be best when roasted, though it can be served raw in salads, baked like fries, boiled and mashed or pureed into a soup. Serve raw sliced Sunchokes in a crudité with creamy or oily dips. To remove the thin skin, scrub the choke beneath running water and use a peeler or the edge of a spoon to remove skin around larger knobby areas. Sunchokes will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month if wrapped in plastic.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The name “Jerusalem artichoke” may have been a corruption of ‘Girasole Articiocco’ which is what the Sunchoke is said to have been called when it was handed out from the garden of Cardinal Farnese, a favorite of the Pope. It was said that all newly discovered plants were sent to the Pope where he would give them to his friends to cultivate, one of which was Cardinal Farnese who was growing Jerusalem artichokes in 1617 in Rome. The Sunchoke found popularity on the menus of famous 18th and 19th century French chefs, in particular Louis Eustache Ude, who used Sunchokes as his main ingredient in Palestine soup which is still made in French homes today.
Geography/History
Sunchokes are native to North America and were cultivated by Native tribes who called them “sunroots”. Once introduced to Europe, the Sunchoke became “Girasole”, the Latin name for sunflower. It is believed that the moniker “Jerusalem Artichoke” came from a corruption of this Italian name. It gained favor in French kitchens in the 17th century. Before potatoes were commonly planted, it was the Sunchoke that accompanied the meat dishes and stews of Europe and the United States. Still cultivated and grown in home gardens in France, the Sunchoke was most popular during the World Wars when food was rationed and Sunchokes, rutabagas, and other root vegetables were more common on the dinner plates. Now cultivated mainly in the south of France, Sunchokes still go by a variety of names like Sunroot, and Topinambour.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Eve-Creations Wellness | Encinitas CA | 775-450-7235 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Enclave | Miramar CA | 808-554-4219 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Thyme for Something Homemade | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-245-1004 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Culinary Solutions Intimate Catering | San Diego CA | 619-966-7530 |
| Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Ordering Waters Catering | ||
| Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 858-245-6146 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sunchokes. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Sunchokes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 7 days ago, 4/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 15 days ago, 4/02/21 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes from Weiser Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 17 days ago, 3/31/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 29 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes from Weiser Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 38 days ago, 3/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 53 days ago, 2/23/21 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 91910 About 83 days ago, 1/24/21 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes from Weiser Farms! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 129 days ago, 12/09/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 157 days ago, 11/11/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 159 days ago, 11/09/20 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes from Weiser Farms 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 160 days ago, 11/08/20 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 317 days ago, 6/04/20 Sharer's comments : Topinambour 
University District Farmers Market
Nash's Organic Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States4681 Sequim-Dumgeness Way Sequim WA 98382 360-681-7458 About 434 days ago, 2/08/20 Sharer's comments : An awesome substitute to potatoes in any recipe, these little guys go a long way. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 469 days ago, 1/04/20 
Union Square Greenmarket
Norwich Meadows Farm
Near New York, United States105 Old Stone Rd Norwich NY 13815 607-336-7598 http://www.norwichmeadowsfarm.com About 469 days ago, 1/04/20 
Union Square Greenmarket
S&S.O. Produce Farms
Near New York, United StatesRD #2 Goshen, N.Y. 10924 About 469 days ago, 1/04/20 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes grown in NY! 
Union Square Greenmarket
Near New York, United StatesAbout 469 days ago, 1/04/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesCarpenteria, CA 1-805-431-7324 About 514 days ago, 11/20/19 Sharer's comments : Whatever you do....don't choke 
Borough Market
Elsey $ Bent
Near London, England, United KingdomAbout 522 days ago, 11/12/19 Sharer's comments : The most beautiful Sunchokes ! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Coleman Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesCarpenteria, CA 1-805-431-7324 About 535 days ago, 10/30/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes are in - be first chefs! 
Elat Market
Elat Market - W Pico
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States8730 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90035 310-659-7076 About 664 days ago, 6/23/19 
Central market of Athens - Greece
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 669 days ago, 6/18/19 Sharer's comments : Topinambour 
Ballard Farmers Market
Nash’s Organic Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesSequim, WA About 727 days ago, 4/21/19 Sharer's comments : With its slightly nutty flavor, it’s lovely thinly sliced and sautéed with kale ;) |
