Jerusalem artichokes any one?

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
I know its early but I was wondering about possibly growing Jerusalem artichoke next year.
I have asked around my plot to see if anyone else grew it down at allotment but no luck.
Are they as bad as people say about if they are left in the ground ?( Bit like a pet you have them for life)
I looked around the local garden centres and some larger garden places and they don't carry them or even the globe artichokes.
Which one is going to be the best?
I think I need to source it now as I don't think all the mail order companies carry it.
Thanks

[veggiechicken]

Wait until the supermarkets have some on the veg counter (?December) and buy a bag to plant. They sell the smooth skinned ones (?Fuseau) that are easier to clean than the knobbly ones that you'll find on most allotments, running amok. Cheaper too, than buying them from a garden centre.
Be sure you really like eating them though

[Noosner]

Yes, once planted you will have a friend for life! They are very difficult to get rid of. I have tried to eradicate mine (the knobbly sort, time consuming to peel) but have now given up and just open all the windows after we've eaten them.

[bearded bloke]

I put 5 tubers in last summer,I now have a small forest Message me your details in late Autumn & I'll post you a few tubers (smooth type) but don't blame me if they take over your plot If I were to start again I would grow them in half blue barrels for containment (similar to my mint).

[alldigging]

Yes, once planted you will have a friend for life! They are very difficult to get rid of. I have tried to eradicate mine (the knobbly sort, time consuming to peel) but have now given up and just open all the windows after we've eaten them.

Disagree on this! I left some in and they haven't grown. They're still there but haven't done anything.

[noviceveggrower]

I put 5 tubers in last summer,I now have a small forest Message me your details in late Autumn & I'll post you a few tubers (smooth type) but don't blame me if they take over your plot If I were to start again I would grow them in half blue barrels for containment (similar to my mint).

Thanks BB. October time for my address?

Have got a barrel down there so will bob them in that

[bearded bloke]

Thanks BB. October time for my address?

Have got a barrel down there so will bob them in that

Yep,that's fine nvg
But you gotta remember as I have a memory like a goldfish

[arpoet]

One you get em in the ground there is not turning back.
I paid ten quid (how much?) for some mail order and few years back, and planted em down the lottie.
When I gave the lottie up I dug some up and planted em in my garden. Last year I had about 25 lbs (12 kilos) off. Tried giving some away with no takers.
This year they are about 8 foot high (not sure what that is in kilos).
I love em cut into crisp thickness and deep fried with my steak and onion rings, etc.

[Moopmoop]

I've never tasted them but they do seem to be the marmite of the veg world. Anyone care to tell me what they taste like and why they like or dislike?

[arpoet]

Sorry, but there are forum rules on the use of bad language.

[veggiechicken]

I've never tasted them but they do seem to be the marmite of the veg world. Anyone care to tell me what they taste like and why they like or dislike?

Its not the taste but the after effects!! That's why they're known as Fartichokes

[Moopmoop]

Its not the taste but the after effects!! That's why they're known as Fartichokes

And some people don't need any help in that department

[Bren In Pots]

I've grown them for the last few years then last year for some reason they didn't grow at all but they have this year just 5 of them though. It's a bit of a puzzle.
According to Alys Fowler you cook them with some Winter Savoury and its supposed to counteract their wind effect.

[greenishfing]

I once grew them. God knows why, I had no idea what they tasted like. It took me 2 tears to eradicate them after I discovered I didn't like them and the after effects were truly horrendous. (think effects of baked beans times 10!!!!)

[ButternutSquash]

I've never tasted them but they do seem to be the marmite of the veg world. Anyone care to tell me what they taste like and why they like or dislike?

They have a starchy fibrous texture, and a sweet nutty flavour, quite strong and distinctive and I can imagine some do not like it. They contain an indigestible starch which can cause flatulence. I sometimes put a few in a winter stew and they have never given me wind. Then again, my diet is mainly vegetarian and I can eat several bowls of black or kidney beans with ne'er a parp.