The tuber called Jerusalem Artichoke (or Sunchoke)  looks a little like a knobbly potato, however it is in fact a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), whereas potatoes are members of the Solanaceae family, which also contains tomatoes and peppers.

A serving of Jerusalem artichoke is an excellent source of iron (28 percent of daily recommended value) and thiamine (20 percent of daily recommended value) and a modest source of vitamin C (10 percent). A cup of raw, sliced Jerusalem artichoke contains 114 calories and 2.4 grams of fibre.

Jerusalem artichokes are recommended as a potato substitute for diabetics because they store their carbohydrates in a form of inulin, a starch that is not utilized by the body for energy, unlike sugar. They also show signs of being able to regulate blood sugar levels.

Jerusalem artichoke flour is also recommended for those who are allergic to wheat and other grains.

Some people find it difficult to digest Jerusalem artichokes easily, and for them it may cause excessive gas. If you have not eaten them before, you may wish to add them to your diet gradually to see how you react. One suggestion is to try adding caraway or fennel seeds to a Jerusalem artichoke meal or soup.