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Description: Left - growth patch of Jerusalem Artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) about 6 feet tall showing small sunflower-like flower. They are also called Sunchoke and Canadian Potatoes. Middle - whole plant showing white edible tubers (roots). Right - plant showing white tubers. These tubers are unique in that they contain a starch-like reserve material called inulin, which is a fructose polymer with the sugar units connected by indigestible 2,1 linkages with a terminal sucrose residue. Only the sucrose residue can be removed by monogastric animals so these compounds have an energy value close to zero. Inulin is soluble in water and in neutral detergent solution, it is thus part of the cell contents. Because it cannot be degraded by monogastric animals, such as humans, it is a component of the Neutral Detergent Soluble Fiber, which is very important as soluble fiber in human nutrition. It is used mainly in human nutrition as a delicate flavoring for salads.

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