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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.
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Oceanside CA | 760-738-6500 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| The Patio on Lamont | San Diego CA | 619-235-5606 |
| TBR & Mason Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-609-9245 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-637-2222 |
| Arrowood Golf Course | Oceanside CA | 760-967-8400 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-550-5412 |
| El Jardin Cantina | San Diego CA | 619-356-5444 |
| Decoy Dockside Restaurant | San Marcos CA | 760-653-3230 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Enclave | Carlsbad CA | 808-554-4219 |
| Bivouac Ciderworks | San Diego CA | 816-809-5193 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Serea Restaurant | Coronado CA | 6194356611 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| The Patio on Goldfinch (Mission Hills) | San Diego CA | 619-501-5090 |
| The Barrel Room | San Diego CA | 858-673-7512 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Homestead Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-209-0149 |
| Il Dandy | San Diego CA | 609-373-5917 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Comercializadora de Especialdides | Ensenada Baja California | 646-128-7028 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Et Fresh | San Diegp CA | 510-910-2298 |
| Moto Deli Sandwich Co (Leucadia) | Leucadia Ca | 619-892-0553 |
| Trattoria Positano | Cardiff CA | 760-320-111 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-707-7016 |
| Eve-Creations Wellness | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2560 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 619-955-8495 |
| Miguel Angel Mendoza | Maestros Ensenada, | 646-127-0277 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Biga | San Diego CA | 949-295-4377 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
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.
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Elat Market
Elat Market - W Pico
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States8730 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90035 310-659-7076 About 56 days ago, 6/23/19 
Central market of Athens - Greece
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 61 days ago, 6/18/19 Sharer's comments : Topinambour 
Ballard Farmers Market
Nash’s Organic Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesSequim, WA About 118 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 126 days ago, 4/14/19 
Vine Ripe Market
Near La Mesa, California, United StatesAbout 138 days ago, 4/02/19 
Vons
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 166 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 168 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 197 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 211 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 217 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 217 days ago, 1/13/19 Oviedo farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 224 days ago, 1/06/19 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-930-0815 About 224 days ago, 1/05/19 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Farm Runners Near Hotchkiss, Colorado, United States About 226 days ago, 1/04/19 
Little Italy Mercato
RK Fresh Garden - Little Italy Mercato
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 246 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 259 days ago, 12/01/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino's Vegetable Shop. Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 260 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 265 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 266 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 274 days ago, 11/17/18 Isabelle Farm Stand Near Lafayette, Colorado, United States About 284 days ago, 11/06/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Isabelle Farm Stand. Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 288 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 294 days ago, 10/27/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Chino Farms. 
Chino's Vegetable Shop
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesAbout 309 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 344 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 470 days ago, 5/05/18 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Near Mountain View, Arkansas, United States About 477 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 497 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 525 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 550 days ago, 2/13/18 
Pike Place Market
Frank's Quality Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States206-624-5666 About 563 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 595 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 642 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 664 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 669 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 680 days ago, 10/07/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 694 days ago, 9/23/17 Sharer's comments : Sunchokes spotted at Vista Farmers Market. |
