The Indians gave the world many vegetable crops: corn, tomatoes and potatoes. Among them is the Jerusalem artichoke family. In the 17th century, this root crop saved Canadian settlers from starvation. And hundreds of years later, it became known that an earthen pear is able to prevent cancer, heart attack and stroke. Growing a vegetable is possible in the open field and in the dachas of the Moscow region and the Middle strip. The main thing is to observe proper care of the plant and prepare the soil before planting it.
Description and characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke - perennial plant, with a powerful root system and a straight stem up to 4 m tall. The leaves are large, 20-25 cm long. The flowers are small, up to 10 cm in diameter, yellow or golden. Underground shoots form tubers (white, red, purple), taste like turnips, with white flesh.
They very nutritious and contain:
- fructose
- trace elements (silicon, manganese, chromium)
- macronutrients (potassium, sulfur, phosphorus)
- protein
- vitamins (B, C, carotene)
- amino acids (methionine, threonine, lysine)
The earthen pear is a high-yielding, drought and frost-resistant plant. Vegetable stalks can withstand temperatures as low as -12 degrees. Tubers are able to freeze for a month in the ground at -10 degrees, thaw and rise in spring.
Jerusalem artichoke brings a bountiful harvest regardless of the weather. It is considered a safety crop.
Origin and distribution of the plant
Jerusalem artichoke is native to North America. It got its name from the Topinambo Indian tribe. They grew and ate root crops long before the arrival of Europeans.
The vegetable culture came to Europe from Canada in the 17th century. The unpretentious plant quickly took root on the new continent. Jerusalem artichoke is traditionally used in the cuisines of England, Holland and France. In Germany he was nicknamed earthen pear and schnapps potatoes (vodka is made on its basis here).
In Russia, the vegetable culture became known in the middle of the 17th century. Root-based wine was used to treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Then it was considered a rarity, only the rich ate it.
After a hundred years, the earthen pear spread everywhere. Fruit stew, boil and fried, should not be consumed raw. Roasted Jerusalem artichoke tastes like sweet fried potatoes.
Application in medicine
Jerusalem artichoke contains inulin... Once in the human body, this polysaccharide cleanses the blood from cholesterol and decay products.
In addition, Jerusalem artichoke:
- Treats gastrointestinal diseases: gastritis and pancreatitis. Eliminates dysbiosis, relieves constipation and colic.
- It removes slags and salts of heavy metals from the body.
- Has a diuretic effect. Useful for people with kidney stones.
- Reduces pressure... Recommended for hypertension.
- Reduces sugar levels in the blood thanks to inulin (help with diabetes).
- Strengthens the heart and prevents the deposition of salts in the body (useful for osteochondrosis, arthrosis, gout).
The right choice of soil to plant Jerusalem artichoke
Earthen pear growing on any soils, except for strongly acidic and waterlogged... Abundant shoots are provided for:
- loose black soil
- light loam
- floodplain soil
The plant is responsive to humus and mineral fertilizers.
The root crop is resistant to many diseases and parasites (Colorado potato beetle, nematode and late blight) and does not require pesticide treatment.
Growing and care in the open field in the country or in the garden
Tubers need to be planted in the ground in the beginning of Maywhen the air warms up up to 18 degrees... In the fall, the site is prepared:
- dug to the depth of the future planting of tubers (15 cm)
- remove dirt from the ground
- add manure to the soil
Large tubers are selected for planting and reproduction. Sore spots are cut off and covered with charcoal. The more healthy tubers there are, the more abundant the harvest will be.
The soil is loosened and leveled before planting, dividing into rows by 70 cm... Tubers must be planted from a distance 40-50 cm apart... This is important because in summer the seedlings will reach a height of two meters. Jerusalem artichoke foliage is dense, intertwined with close planting. This can seriously complicate the care of crops.
Before emergence and after the soil loosen and hoe... From planting to harvest, the root crop needs in abundant watering... It is important not to flood the plant. Excess moisture is dangerous by rotting and the appearance of slugs. And the disadvantage is slow development and small fruits. Jerusalem artichoke once a month feed potash and nitrogen fertilizers.
It is important to observe plant growth. If they grow sluggishly, lose leaves and become covered with bloom, then this is a sign of disease or pests. Affected plants are removed and burned.
When the seedlings rise to 30 cm of them spud... Once again, the plants are spud in the middle of summer. When the stems of an earthen pear reach a meter in height, they are tied to strong supports. For example, to wire supports for shrubs.
As soon as the stems grow up, they are neat cut to a height of 1.5 m, flowers are also removed. This stimulates root development and tuber formation.
When to harvest tubers
The tubers will ripen after 120 days from the moment of emergence. A month before harvesting, feeding is stopped, and after two weeks the stems are cut to 30 cm high. This will help the fruit to form a tight skin and increase its shelf life.
If you leave the tubers in the ground, then they will last until spring... To protect from the cold, the beds are sprinkled with earth mixed with humus and covered with straw. The stems are cut. Temperature changes will not affect the fruits of the earthen pear in any way. They will thaw and freeze again. But the green mass of plants will die if left.
In the spring, the fruits in the beds are determined by cut stems. They grow quickly and if you do not control their growth, then the earthen pear is able to displace other plants from the beds.
The best time to harvest is October or November. Later, there will be an outflow of nutrients from the tubers to the stems and leaves.
If it is planned to grow other crops on the site, then the soil is sown with silage plants to begin with. Then they are collected for green fodder, and the earth is dug deep and herbicides are applied to destroy Jerusalem artichoke.
Harvest storage
In the ground
This is where the fruits are stored the longest... To do this, they are laid out in layers in a small hole and covered with peat or sand on top. The storage location is dry and elevated. A ditch 30 cm deep is dug around the embankment to drain water.
In the basement
The harvested tubers are stored in a dark and cool place. A basement or cellar with a temperature is suitable from +1 to +4 degrees and air humidity up to 90%... Root vegetables are stored in wooden boxes. They are covered with sand and covered with plywood.
In the apartment
A glazed loggia or balcony is suitable for storage. If the roots freeze, they will not lose their nutritional properties. They are kept in boxes or bags filled with sand for two months.
It is important to remember that Jerusalem artichoke cannot stand direct sunlight and heat.
Freezer
Root crops are thoroughly washed and dried. For storage, use bags or sealed containers. The fruits are thawed by placing them in cold water. Fresh Jerusalem artichoke is stored in the vegetable section up to 3 weeks, in the freezer - up to 3 months.
It is a mistake to believe that since an earthen pear is an unpretentious plant, it will not be required to care for it. Growing a vegetable and getting a bountiful harvest requires a grain of attention and a little labor. These are easy and pleasant chores. They will more than pay off with the beneficial properties of an earthen pear. After all, health is the main wealth that must be protected.