Jerusalem artichokes

Before going any further, I have an unusual reminder as to why you shouldn’t be too generous with portions of this ‘forgotten’ vegetable. The 17th-century English botanist John Goodyer concluded his entry in the 1621 edition of Gerard’s Herbal as follows:

In my judgement, which way soever they be dressed and eaten, they stir and cause a filthy loathsome stinking wind within the body, thereby causing the belly to be pained and tormented, and are a meat more fit for swine than men.

To the facts!

Jerusalem artichokes (aardpeer) Helianthus tuberosus. The name Jerusalem artichoke is somewhat misleading: these vegetables are neither artichoke nor a product of Jerusalem. If the stories are to be believed, the name is a corruption or misinterpretation of the Italian “girasole” or sunflower artichoke (the plant is in fact a member of the sunflower family).

One of my “forgotten vegetables”, Jerusalem artichokes are coming back into fashion/focus because of the potential health benefits, both for dogs and humans. Because Jerusalem artichokes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and particularly rich in a prebiotic fibre called inulin, they can provide tangible health benefits when incorporated into the diet.

Main nutrients

Inulin

This type of dietary fibre acts as a prebiotic, promoting gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Inulin can help improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and may aid in managing blood sugar levels. Various animal studies have been conducted into inulin as a functional ingredient and its efficacy as a prebiotic in promoting good digestive health. Inulin has also been found to have benefits in terms of optimising levels of glucose and insulin[1].
Be warned, however: It’s inulin that can cause flatulence – hence the warning from Mr Goodyer!

Vitamin C

Although dogs don’t have a dietary requirement for vitamin C, this powerful antioxidant supports the immune system, aids in the absorption of iron, and is involved in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and the maintenance of bones and teeth.

Iron

Essential for creating red blood cells, iron found in Jerusalem artichokes helps prevent anaemia and supports overall energy levels by aiding in oxygen transport throughout the body.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body. This can aid in hydration, especially during physical activity. Potassium is essential for maintaining normal muscle function and nerve transmission and contributes to the proper functioning of the heart muscle, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.

Phosphorus

Working closely with calcium, phosphorus is vital for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. It also plays a role in the body’s utilization of carbohydrates and fats and in the synthesis of protein for the repair, maintenance, and growth of tissues.

Magnesium

Supports bone health. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle and nerve function. It helps regulate blood pressure and supports immune system health. For dogs, magnesium is important for maintaining muscle and nerve function and ensuring strong bones.

Copper

Copper is essential for muscular and skeletal health. Copper is also necessary for the body to form red blood cells, helps to maintain blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and contributes to iron absorption.

Practical tip:

Jerusalem artichokes are in season from October to the end of March. It is best to buy firm tubers and use them as soon as possible. Jerusalem artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. They will go brown when they are peeled or cut, so use them quickly (obviously the usual trick of lemon juice is not suitable for dog food).

[1] Ahmed W, Rashid S. Functional and therapeutic potential of inulin: A comprehensive review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(1):1-13. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1355775. Epub 2017 Oct 11. PMID: 28799777.

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Want to know more? The studies might be useful:

  • Cieślik E, Gębusia A, Florkiewicz A, Mickowska B. The content of protein and of amino acids in Jerusalem artichoke tubers (Helianthus tuberosus L.) of red variety Rote Zonenkugel. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2011 Oct-Dec;10(4):433-41. PMID: 22230925.
  • Bach V, Jensen S, Clausen MR, Bertram HC, Edelenbos M. Enzymatic browning and after-cooking darkening of Jerusalem artichoke tubers (Helianthus tuberosus L.). Food Chem. 2013 Nov 15;141(2):1445-50. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.04.028. Epub 2013 Apr 18. PMID: 23790937.
  • Ashwin K, Pattanaik AK, Paladan V, Singh A, Sahoo JK, Jose T, Jadhav SE, Dutta N. Fermentability of select polyphenol-rich substrates in the canine faecal inoculum and their interaction with a canine-origin probiotic: an in vitro appraisal. J Sci Food Agric. 2022 Mar 15;102(4):1586-1597. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.11495. Epub 2021 Aug 30. PMID: 34405411.

  • Samal, Lipismita & Chaturvedi, Vishwa & S., Baliyan & Saxena, Meeta & Pattanaik, Ashok. (2012). Jerusalem Artichoke as a Potential Prebiotic: Influence on Nutrient Utilization, Hindgut Fermentation and Immune Response of Labrador Dogs. ANIMAL NUTRITION AND FEED TECHNOLOGY. 12. 343-352.

Nutritional information:

Nutrient table for jerusalem artichokes

A more detailed list of nutrients is available at Food Data Central

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain Jerusalem artichoke or other similarly fibrous ingredients; check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.