Drying Jerusalem artichoke at home. How to store Jerusalem artichoke at home. Recipes with Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke (also earthen pear or Jerusalem artichoke) is a dietary product that is used not only for food, but also for medicinal purposes, because it provides invaluable assistance for various diseases. To preserve the beneficial properties and prevent fungal infection of the root crop, you need to know how to properly store Jerusalem artichoke. We will talk about this in this article.

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Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain many amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins (including large amounts of vitamin C). Their juicy pulp has a pleasant sweetish taste and is used to prepare various dishes.

Eating root vegetables helps remove toxins, lower blood sugar levels and strengthen the immune system. It is also recommended for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Before we talk about storing Jerusalem artichoke, let’s figure out how to choose this root vegetable correctly. Please note the following when purchasing:

  • Jerusalem artichoke fruits come in various shapes and sizes. The color of the tubers can vary from yellowish and brown to red;
  • the tubers should be elastic and dense to the touch. Do not buy soft and limp fruits;
  • inspect the skin of the root vegetable. If there are roughnesses and growths on the surface, this is normal. But a wrinkled appearance and visible spots on the peel indicate a low-quality product;
  • Jerusalem artichoke is characterized by a pleasant and light “earthy” smell.

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Jerusalem artichoke: when to harvest?

Jerusalem artichoke is an extremely unpretentious, prolific and frost-resistant plant. It is cultivated in different latitudes. The root crop tolerates temporary drought and is considered a hardy crop.

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The vulnerability of Jerusalem artichoke lies in its very thin skin, which does not harden and cannot protect the tubers from drying out and rotting.

Fresh root vegetables can be eaten for several days after harvesting, then they wither. That is why it is best to store Jerusalem artichoke in the ground in winter.

The harvest is harvested in the fall before frost or in early spring, while the tubers have not yet begun to sprout. Spring harvesting of root crops is preferable to autumn harvesting, since all vitamins are completely preserved in the tubers. They dig it up as needed, since Jerusalem artichoke is stored better in the soil and tolerates frosts down to −40 ℃.

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Taking into account the characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke, residents of private houses practice the following storage method: a shallow trench is prepared for the harvested crop, the bottom of which is covered with spruce branches. The dug up tubers are placed in plastic flower pots and placed in a trench, laid on top with a layer of snow or sand, then with insulating material (hay, peat) and a sheet of roofing felt. With this method, the root crop will last until spring, retain its beneficial properties, and will not wither or rot. Due to the frost resistance of Jerusalem artichoke, many gardeners store it in holes and piles.

How to store Jerusalem artichoke at home

Despite all the nuances, storing Jerusalem artichoke at home is quite acceptable. Let's consider several ways.

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Store in the refrigerator in a plastic or paper bag. The most accessible and effective way. The tubers are washed, dried, placed in bags or plastic containers and stored in the vegetable compartment. The shelf life will be 2-3 weeks. Without the package, the Jerusalem artichoke will wither in a few days. If you do not plan on long-term storage, you can simply wrap the tubers in a damp cloth and put them in the refrigerator.

The temperature for storing Jerusalem artichoke should be from −5 to +4 ℃, and the humidity should be 85%. At higher rates, the tubers begin to germinate, but Jerusalem artichoke is not afraid of frost - frozen tubers do not lose their taste and beneficial qualities.

In the freezer. You can keep Jerusalem artichoke fresh for up to 3 months if you freeze it. Peeled tubers are cut into pieces or grated, placed in a plastic container with a lid or plastic bags and stored in the freezer.

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On the balcony. Jerusalem artichoke is placed in boxes or bags with sawdust, wet sand or peat. It is important to avoid exposure to sunlight and temperature rises above +4 ℃. Tubers will be able to retain their properties for 2-4 months.

Only freshly harvested crops are stored for long-term storage, so you shouldn’t expect much from store-bought Jerusalem artichoke.

In a cellar or basement. Jerusalem artichokes are laid out in wooden boxes, sprinkled with sand, earth, peat or moss, and covered with sheets of plywood on top. It is better not to clear the soil from the tubers before storing them. Jerusalem artichoke can be stored with carrots. But beets and potatoes are far from the best “neighbors” for him.

Dried. The dried root vegetable retains all its beneficial properties. The tubers are washed, cut into plates and dried in the open air for 4-5 days. You can use an electric dryer (following its instructions) or an oven (see below).

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Jerusalem artichokes are not dried in the sun, but only in the shade. The product is stored in sealed paper bags or fabric bags in a dry and cool place for 12-18 months. It is also acceptable to keep it in the refrigerator in a tightly closed glass jar.

Jerusalem artichoke, its second name is earthen pear or sun root, is a perennial nutritious plant, the benefits of which are enormous for the entire body. Tubers are rich in vitamins B and C, fructose and microelements.

In order to receive from the plant all the microelements the body needs all year round, you need to know how to store Jerusalem artichoke at home.

Cultivation and collection

People have been growing and using earthen pear as a medicine and food for many centuries. Moreover, it is a dietary product included in various therapeutic diets.

Growing and harvesting Jerusalem artichoke is a simple task. It does not require special conditions and tolerates winter well. This culture is in one place can grow up to forty years. From one hundred square meters you can harvest up to 250 kilograms of crop.

Before organizing the storage of Jerusalem artichoke at home or in the cellar for the winter, you need assemble and prepare it correctly. Harvest in early November. Jerusalem artichoke does not store well, therefore, you should not collect everything at once in the fall. Some of the fruit should be left in the ground. It is perfectly stored in the ground and tolerates frosts well down to minus forty degrees, while retaining all its beneficial properties.

In spring, root crops must be dug up.

Storing Jerusalem artichoke

To better preserve the fruits, they are dug up and, without cleaning, placed in a container or bag, where they will remain fresh until spring. Jerusalem artichoke has a very thin and delicate skin that can be easily damaged even by rubbing it with your finger. If root vegetables are thrown away or rearranged carelessly, then after 2-3 days they will begin to deteriorate.

There are several options to reliably save root vegetables until spring:

  • freezing;
  • immersion in paraffin;
  • trench method;
  • drying;
  • storage in the ground;
  • storage in the basement/cellar.

All of the above storage options will help preserve root crops until spring without much loss. Jerusalem artichoke is not afraid of frost, so it can be stored on the balcony, in the refrigerator or in the pantry.

When harvesting, you do not need to cut off the stalk; you need to leave a root at least 15 centimeters long. This helps preserve nutrients in the root crop.

Having pulled out the root crop from the garden bed, you need to carefully wipe it. The collected earthen pears are carefully laid out in boxes. They can be placed on the balcony, but provided that the temperature there is not lower than five degrees below zero. If it is much colder on the balcony, then Jerusalem artichoke needs to be added to the the coolest place in the house, and cover with a cloth, protecting from light.

The easiest ways

In country houses, tubers are stored in the cellar, packed in plastic bags at a temperature of +2 degrees. Jerusalem artichoke is perfectly preserved in wooden boxes filled with moist soil.

Before storing tubers you need dry well. If there is no cellar, then the root crops are placed in containers and lowered into a hole. The top of the containers is covered with roofing felt and covered with soil and sand. You cannot store Jerusalem artichoke in the cellar along with potatoes and beets; this is an undesirable neighborhood.

To save basement space, root vegetables can be buried along with carrots, since they also like to be covered with sand in winter. Some gardeners apply a clay mixture to Jerusalem artichokes and place them in plastic bags and tie them tightly so that less air remains in them.

Wax, as an option, is pretty good to preserve Jerusalem artichoke for the winter. The fruit is carefully cleaned of dirt. They dry in the shade for about three hours, after which they are dipped in hot paraffin. If there is no food paraffin, then ordinary paraffin, from which candles are made, is suitable for this purpose. The earthen pear is placed in cardboard boxes and lowered into the cellar.

The waxing procedure should take place in a cold room to quickly cool the root crop, since overheating has a negative effect on the earthen pear.

Preservation, drying and freezing

A large number of gardeners know about the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke and therefore collect recipes for preparing Jerusalem artichoke for the winter. Ground pear juice and salads are good for human immune system and treat colds well. You can prepare the root for the winter in the following ways:

  1. The Jerusalem artichoke is peeled and cut into pieces of any shape, placed in bags and sent to the freezer, where it will be stored for a long time. It is recommended to pack in small bags. Repeated freezing is unacceptable.
  2. To dry the root vegetable, it must be washed well, peeled and cut into thin slices. Dry in a hot oven or in the air, but not in direct sunlight. After proper drying, Jerusalem artichoke fully retains its beneficial properties.
  3. A good way to store it in an apartment is preservation. Jam and syrups are prepared from the root.

Storing root crops in trenches

Trenches for storing Jerusalem artichoke are prepared in advance, before the soil freezes. A trench half a meter deep is dug, and dry leaves or sawdust are placed at its bottom.

Dried and whole tubers are placed in two layers, then covered with sand, a thick film is placed on top and pressed again with a layer of sand. Some experienced gardeners lay root vegetables with roots in a fabric bag. With this storage, you don’t need to worry about the earthen pear spoiling. In winter, it is convenient to remove root vegetables from the trench by folding back the edge of the film. But mice are dangerous. There are two options for saving the crop from them:

  • You can spread the poison on straw or leaves.
  • Burdock inflorescences are laid out in the trench along with the earthen pear. Mice do not tolerate it when something clings to them and will not come into the trench again.

To prevent the trench from being flooded with water, a shallow ditch is dug in a circle at a distance of about fifty centimeters from the storage facility. This storage method is suitable for those who live in their own home and can dig a similar trench in the yard.

Attention, TODAY only!

The dug up Jerusalem artichoke is stored in the refrigerator for no more than one month. Studies have shown that when dried, earthen pear retains a large amount of carbohydrates, vitamins, micro and macroelements. Depending on the type of drying and the form of the resulting product, Jerusalem artichoke promotes the production of inulin in the body and lowers blood sugar.

What is this product?

Dried Jerusalem artichoke at home is small pieces, the taste of which resembles peanuts.

You can prepare compotes from the dried product and add it to tea, coffee or milk.

Powdered Jerusalem artichoke is widely used for making confectionery products. and for brewing vitamin drinks.

Chemical composition

  1. Regular consumption of vegetables in large quantities can worsen the situation with blood clotting disorders, cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.
  2. The earthen pear can cause damage or blockage of the ureters, bile ducts and the movement of stones.

How to dry?

In the southern regions, you can get dried vegetables in the fresh air, if the autumn sun has sufficient heat. Residents of the northern regions may be interested in whether they can dry Jerusalem artichokes in the open air. If the weather is dry and no precipitation is expected in the near future, then this is acceptable.

At home

To dry at home, you can use a microwave, oven or a special dryer.

In an electric dryer

  1. Drying earthen pears in an electric dryer should begin with selecting healthy tubers without signs of rot or damage.
  2. To wash off soil and dirt, it is recommended to soak the product in water and wash with a sponge under running water.
  3. The roots and dark spots should be cut out with a knife and the product should be crushed in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can cut into thin strips using a knife or use a grater.
  4. The chopped fruits should be spread out on the grill of an electric dryer in a thin layer, as they are very juicy.
  5. Place trays and set temperature to 50 degrees.
  6. In order for the Jerusalem artichoke to dry faster, it is necessary to swap sections from time to time. Drying at home usually takes from 6 to 10 hours.

In the oven

Drying Jerusalem artichoke in the oven occurs in several passes:

  1. Place parchment paper on trays and place thinly sliced ​​vegetables in one layer, so that they do not touch each other.
  2. Then the sheet is placed in the oven for three hours at a temperature of 50 degrees. After this time, remove the tray and leave it for a day at room temperature.
  3. Before drying again, the slices are turned over and left in the oven at 60 degrees until fully cooked.

In the microwave

The fastest way to dry Jerusalem artichoke tubers, but requires constant monitoring:

  1. After washing the plant beforehand, cut it into thin circles and place it on a flat plate in one layer.
  2. Set the microwave to medium power and turn on for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Then you need to take out the plate and turn the slices over; if desired, you can add salt or pepper.
  4. Set at the same power for 10 minutes. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

Outdoors

Drying a plant in the sun is the most economical, but time-consuming procedure. To do this you need:

  1. Wash and cut the flower beds into slices or cubes and lay them out on a flat surface.
  2. To do this, choose an open place, without direct sunlight.

Drying Jerusalem artichoke in the fresh air takes 4-5 days.

How to grind?

To prepare the powder, dried Jerusalem artichoke is ground in a blender or coffee grinder. If you don’t have either one or the other at hand, you can use either an ordinary masher or a wooden or cast iron mortar.

How to use?

Experts advise taking dried Jerusalem artichoke and its powder as a useful supplement, rich in medicinal properties, when problems occur in the body and reduced immunity. The dosage and frequency depend on the purpose for which the earthen pear will be used.

Tea

The plant contains caffeic acid, thanks to which the body begins to digest fats more efficiently and improves the functioning of the intestines.

Tea recipes:

  1. 2 tbsp. tubers crushed in a blender, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for about 8 hours. You need to drink this 30 minutes before meals, 100 ml. You can drink this tea continuously for 2 weeks.
  2. For a glass of water with a volume of 300 g, take 2 tbsp. dried Jerusalem artichoke. Boil and let steep for 30-40 minutes. You can replace regular tea and drink it once a day for a month.

Infusion

Using an infusion of dried vegetables or powder is useful for colds and stomach diseases:

  1. For the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases 1 tbsp. dried Jerusalem artichoke pour 750 ml of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. The infusion is filtered and taken before meals, half a glass 3 times a day. The duration of the course is 3 weeks.
  2. For colds 2 tbsp. chopped tubers are poured with boiling water (500 ml) and brought to a boil. Then put it in a dark place and leave for 24 hours. Add 50 ml of boiling water to 50 ml of infusion and consume warm. The course of treatment is 3 days.

Decoction

Used to combat anemia and normalize blood pressure. A bath with a decoction of the plant is used to treat gout, osteochondrosis and weakened immunity.

  1. To combat anemia and increase immunity, boil 1.5 liters of water over low heat and add 3 tbsp. dried tuberous sunflower. Keep on fire for an hour. It is recommended to drink the finished decoction 0.5 liters 3 times a week.
  2. A bath with a decoction is prepared as follows: 100 g of dry leaf is poured into 3.5 liters of water and brought to a boil. After boiling, the broth is left on low heat for 15 minutes, then poured into the bath. The bath should be taken twice a week for 15 minutes. To get results you need to take a healing bath 15 times.

Tincture

The tincture is taken to cleanse the liver of waste and toxins and eliminate flatulence. It is recommended to use the tincture as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic fatigue and impotence.

  1. 500 g of dried Jerusalem artichoke is diluted with 1 liter of vodka or diluted alcohol. The resulting mixture is placed in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. The tincture should be taken 1 tbsp. three times a day. It is recommended to dilute with water. The course of treatment is 1 month.
  2. To treat chronic fatigue and impotence, add vodka to the plant in a ratio of 1:3 and leave for 14 days. Take the medicine 40 drops diluted with water 3 times a day.

Pharmaceutical drug

  1. 2 or 3 tsp. powder is diluted with 1 glass of water and drunk 30-40 minutes before eating.
  2. 1 tbsp. The crushed plant is diluted in a glass of water and drunk 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Jerusalem artichoke is one of the few plants that can retain all its beneficial properties during heat treatment. This natural remedy based on natural sugars is an excellent dietary product and a cure for many diseases.

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In the cellar or refrigerator it is possible only for the first couple of months, then it begins to quickly deteriorate.

Dried Jerusalem artichoke at home is small pieces. It can also be purchased at a pharmacy, but there it will only be sold in powder form.

Ground pear preserved in this way can be added to dishes, it is consumed with drinks, for example, tea, milk, and sometimes coffee. Jerusalem artichoke powder is used to brew vitamin drinks.

Chemical composition

Attention: Dried earthen pear retains all macro- and microelements. It is as useful as when consumed fresh.

Benefits and harms

Dried Jerusalem artichoke can be stored for about a year if all conditions are met.. This means that you can saturate your body with vitamins for all 12 months. Why is it useful:

  • strengthens the immune system;
  • removes harmful substances from the body;
  • normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
  • creates protection against colds;
  • normalizes blood pressure;
  • normalizes intestinal function;
  • saturates the body with all necessary vitamins.

Jerusalem artichoke is an absolutely harmless plant. There is no need to be afraid when using it. Only individual intolerance can cause harm.

Important! You will see a positive effect on the body only with a properly balanced diet!

You will find more information about the benefits and harms of fresh Jerusalem artichoke in.

How to dry at home?

The tubers of the plant are most often dried. To do this, you should select healthy fruits. Rinse thoroughly and cut into thin slices; it is advisable not to use an iron knife, otherwise the product will oxidize. At home, Jerusalem artichoke can be dried in two ways.

In an electric dryer

An electric dryer facilitates the process of drying fruits, making it fast and of high quality. Step-by-step instructions for use to get an improved root vegetable:

  1. Prepared chopped fruits should be laid out on racks.
  2. Set the temperature to 50-60 degrees and dry for four hours.
  3. From time to time you need to change sections.

It should be stored in a well-closed container, plastic or glass. Can be placed in a cloth bag, tightly tied. Be sure to place it in a dark place out of direct sunlight. If over time the dried earthen pear has become soft, it can be dried again.

In the oven

Not everyone has an electric dryer at home, so you can replace it with an oven. Step-by-step instructions for oven drying:

  1. Jerusalem artichoke cut into thin slices is placed on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange the slices so that they do not touch each other.
  3. Set the temperature to 50 degrees.
  4. Keep the earthen pear in the oven for three hours.
  5. Leave the Jerusalem artichoke on the table for a day.
  6. Before putting them in the oven for the second time, the slices should be turned over.
  7. If desired, you can salt them and add seasoning to taste.
  8. Turn on the oven at 60 degrees.
  9. Dry until ready.

Place the finished dried Jerusalem artichoke in a container with a tight lid. Store in a dark place.

Outdoors

Drying in the sun is the longest procedure among those presented. How the process works:

  • Wash the fruits, peel and cut into thin slices.
  • Place on a flat, open surface.
  • Dry for 4-5 days.

Dried Jerusalem artichoke should have a pleasant aroma, slightly darkened appearance and be elastic.

Attention! Under no circumstances expose it to direct sunlight!

How to use for medicinal purposes?

For medicinal purposes, you can use both ground pear powder from the pharmacy and fruits dried by yourself. were described above, but how to use Jerusalem artichoke correctly to prevent diseases?

Pharmaceutical powder

The beneficial properties of earthen pear are widely known. Pharmacological companies produce biological additives in different forms:

  • pills;
  • powder;
  • extract;
  • tea bags;
  • complex supplements.

Use according to the instructions on the product packaging.

Home product

For treatment, not only dried pear tubers are used, but also its leaves. They can be used to make teas and tinctures. Dried tubers are usually consumed with drinks:

  • milk;
  • compote.

Using a coffee grinder you can obtain powder and also use it to prepare fortified teas.

The dosage of earthen pear per day depends on for what purpose and in what form (tea, decoction, tincture) you want to use it:

  • Decoction. Used to lower blood pressure and increase hemoglobin in the blood. You will need 3 tbsp. l. dry tubers. Add one and a half liters of water and put on low heat. It should be kept on fire for an hour. The daily dose is half a liter. Drink three times a week.
  • Infusion. Recommended for use for colds. Pour boiling water (750 ml) over dried pear leaves (1 tbsp). Leave for 24 hours. Drink half a glass three times a day before meals.
  • Tincture. Used to remove toxins and waste from the body. Add 500 grams per liter of vodka. dry leaves. Leave for half a month in a cool, dark place. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day. It is advisable to dilute with water.
  • Tea. A vitamin drink that has a general strengthening effect on the body. For a glass of water (300 g) take 2 tbsp. dried earthen pear tubers. Boil and let stand for about half an hour. Drink like regular tea.

Eating Jerusalem artichoke will only have a beneficial effect on the body if it is properly introduced into the diet.

Dried Jerusalem artichoke slices and powder have the same properties. A very useful and versatile product. Don't be afraid to introduce it into your and your baby's diet. The baby will like the dried product; it will stimulate his growth and appetite. But remember that overeating can lead to bloating and flatulence.

Although earthen pear has no contraindications other than individual intolerance, if there is any doubt, it is better to consult a doctor.

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January 9, 2012

If you don’t trust industrial dietary supplements and want to improve your body’s health with natural, healthy products, stock up on Jerusalem artichoke for future use. A fortified drink is prepared from powder made from dried Jerusalem artichoke, which will prevent many ailments.

Before you start drying, Jerusalem artichoke tubers must be carefully inspected and only healthy ones, free from damage and signs of rot, must be selected. Then the tubers are washed in several waters, cleared of secondary roots, and peeled. After this, the Jerusalem artichoke is cut into circles or cubes and laid out on an open surface in the room, protected from direct sunlight. Drying usually takes four to five days.

If the Jerusalem artichoke will be dried in the oven, then pre-blanch the tubers in salted water with the addition of baking soda (8 grams of baking soda per liter of water) for 8-10 minutes. After this, the Jerusalem artichoke is cut and dried in the oven at a temperature of 50-60 degrees for about three hours. In order for the raw material to dry evenly, it must be mixed. Dried Jerusalem artichoke is crushed into powder and stored in glass jars.



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