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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.
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Tiger Tiger | San Diego CA | 619-764-5475 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| San Diego High School | San Diego CA | 619-250-7738 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| TBR & Mason Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-609-9245 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| The Barrel Room | San Diego CA | 858-673-7512 |
| Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 619-955-8495 |
| Viejas Casino Locale | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Vineyard Gourmet Catering | Temecula CA | 951-858-1585 |
| Fifty Two Remedies | San Diego | 858-707-7016 |
| 10 Barrel Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-886-2743 |
| Two Seven Eight | San Diego CA | 619-278-0080 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station Banquets | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Bivouac Ciderworks | San Diego CA | 816-809-5193 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Enclave | Carlsbad CA | 808-554-4219 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Decoy Dockside Restaurant | San Marcos CA | 760-653-3230 |
| El Jardin Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-356-5444 |
| Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| The Craftsman New American Tavern | Encinitas CA | 760-415-2380 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Eve-Creations Wellness | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2560 |
| The Wooden Spoon | Escondido CA | 760-445-2816 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Rustic Root (5th & J) | San Diego | 619-232-1747 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Cueva Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-6612 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Samaya Boat | San Diego CA | |
| Fireside by The Patio | San Diego CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Comercializadora de Especialdides | Ensenada Baja California | 646-128-7028 |
| Miguel Angel Mendoza | Maestros Ensenada, | 646-127-0277 |
| The Patio Marketplace | San Diego CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Rustic Root Brunch | San Diego CA | 619-702-5595 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
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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Ballard Farmers Market
Nash’s Organic Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesSequim, WA About 2 days ago, 4/21/19 Sharer's comments : With its slightly nutty flavor, it’s lovely thinly sliced and sautéed with kale ;) 
Hollywood Farmer's Market
Kong Tao
Near West Hollywood, California, United States1-559-367-4165 About 9 days ago, 4/14/19 
Vine Ripe Market
Near La Mesa, California, United StatesAbout 21 days ago, 4/02/19 
Vons
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 49 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Vons. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United Stateshttp://www.weiserfamilyfarms.com About 52 days ago, 3/02/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United Stateshttp://www.weiserfamilyfarms.com About 80 days ago, 2/02/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Chino's Vegetable Shop
Chino’s Farms - Vegetable Stand
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States6123 Calzada Sel Bosque, Del Mar 92014 858-756-3184 About 94 days ago, 1/19/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino's Vegetable Shop. 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Nash’s Organic Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States4681 Sequim-Dumgeness Way, Sequim 98382 360-681-7458 About 100 days ago, 1/13/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market. AKA Jerusalem Artichoke - lovely thinnly sliced on a salad. Stater Brothers market, Pasadena Near Monrovia, California, United States About 101 days ago, 1/13/19 Oviedo farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 108 days ago, 1/06/19 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-930-0815 About 108 days ago, 1/05/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Farm Runners Near Hotchkiss, Colorado, United States About 109 days ago, 1/04/19 
Little Italy Mercato
RK Fresh Garden - Little Italy Mercato
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 129 days ago, 12/15/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Chino's Vegetable Shop
Chino’s Farms - Vegetable Stand
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States6123 Calzada Sel Bosque, Del Mar 92014 858-756-3184 About 143 days ago, 12/01/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino's Vegetable Shop. Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 143 days ago, 12/01/18 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Steel Wheel Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States3700 324th Ave SE, Fall City 98024 About 149 days ago, 11/25/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market. A slight nutty flavor when sautéed, fantastic in salad ;) 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-930-0815 About 150 days ago, 11/24/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 158 days ago, 11/17/18 Isabelle Farm Stand Near Lafayette, Colorado, United States About 168 days ago, 11/06/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Isabelle Farm Stand. Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 172 days ago, 11/03/18 
Chino Farms
Chino’s Farms - Vegetable Stand
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States6123 Calzada Sel Bosque, Del Mar 92014 858-756-3184 About 178 days ago, 10/27/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino Farms. 
Chino's Vegetable Shop
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesAbout 192 days ago, 10/13/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino's Vegetable Shop. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United Stateshttp://www.weiserfamilyfarms.com About 227 days ago, 9/08/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States661-330-0100 About 353 days ago, 5/05/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Near Mountain View, Arkansas, United States About 360 days ago, 4/28/18 
Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market
Thao's Family Farms
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States4495 S. Hughes Ave. Fresno 93706 559-261-5205 About 381 days ago, 4/07/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market. Great Roasted. 
Virginia Park Farmers Market
Thao's Family Farms
Near TARZANA, California, United States4495 S. Hughes Ave. Fresno 93706 559-261-5205 About 409 days ago, 3/10/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmers Market. Great roasted. Real Food Market & Deli Near Helena, Montana, United States About 434 days ago, 2/13/18 
Pike Place Market
Frank's Quality Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States206-624-5666 About 447 days ago, 1/31/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Pike Place Market. Local, organic sunchokes add a nice earthy/nutty addition to any dish when sauteed! 
Virginia Park Farmers Market
Weiser Family Farms
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 479 days ago, 12/30/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmers Market. First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 526 days ago, 11/13/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 547 days ago, 10/23/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 552 days ago, 10/18/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 563 days ago, 10/07/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 577 days ago, 9/23/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 629 days ago, 8/02/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Sarah Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesWeiser Family Farms 19247 Highline Road, Tehachapi 93561 909-697-0807 About 636 days ago, 7/26/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Lakewinds Coop Richfield Near Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States About 700 days ago, 5/24/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Lakewinds Coop Richfield. |
