ROASTED SUNCHOKES

Sunchokes, also known as "Jerusalem artichokes," are the root of a plant in the sunflower family. They are neither from Jerusalem nor related to artichokes! They are however delicious, tasting like a slightly sweet, creamy white potato. What makes them worth trying other than their taste and ease of preparing? They are a great source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber. We cannot digest inulin, but our good gut bacteria can ferment it, leading to the production of compounds that support health within the colon and throughout the body.

Sunchokes apparently have the nickname "fartichokes." When fiber gets fermented, gas is produced. Sunchokes are about 30% inulin by fresh weight so if you are not used to a high fiber diet, slowly introduce high fiber foods so your gut can adapt.

Benefits of prebiotic foods:

Promote growth of good bacteria in your gut microbiome

Slow digestion, improving the absorption of nutrients

Stabilize blood sugar

Boost the immune system

Aid in weight loss

Lower inflammation

Regulate hormone levels

Improve mood

Lower cholesterol

Reduce constipation

Here's a 5 minute NPR video using a cartoon to explain the Human Microbiome.

What I did:

-Purchased 6 oz sunchokes at Good Foods

-Washed under running water

-Sliced lengthwise into 4 slices each

-Placed cut-side down on parchment paper. Sprinkled with salt, pepper and dried thyme

-Baked 425 degrees for 20 minutes

-Served with Garlic Cashew Dip