Does Jerusalem Artichoke Go Bad?

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Native Americans first cultivated the Jerusalem artichoke plant. The Tuber, stem, and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke all have different uses. It is widely used across America and Europe. Jerusalem artichoke is used as a root vegetable. It is cooked but can be consumed raw as well.

It is used in many dishes due to its tender, juicy and sweet taste. Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain a high amount of carbohydrates and inulin. The presence of carbohydrates makes it suitable for use in healthy diets. Inulin in Jerusalem artichoke is a good agent against diabetes.

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How to store Jerusalem artichoke?

Vegetables have lower shelf lives. The stems and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke are used mostly as animal feed. The Tuber of Jerusalem artichoke is used mostly in various dishes and salads.

Jerusalem artichoke tuber is easy to store. It can last various months depending on its storage medium. Use the following methods to store your Jerusalem artichoke.

In the pantry

Your house pantry can store Jerusalem artichoke tubers other vegetables. The tubers will remain well and fresh in the pantry for several weeks. However, your pantry cannot store Jerusalem artichoke tubers for a long time.

Keep your Jerusalem artichoke tubers moisture-free in your pantry. The presence of moisture helps the development of moss on Tuber’s surface. Make sure the tubers lack moisture to keep them fresh for a long period.

In the refrigerator

A fridge is the best place to store your fruits and vegetables. It provides an ideal temperature for your Tuber to stay fresh and healthy. It keeps your tubers fresh for months. Rinse your Jerusalem artichoke roots with clean and fresh water. Dry the rinsed tubers using a paper towel. Place the dried tubers inside the vegetable compartment of your fridge. Make sure your tubers are clean, dry, and moisture-free before placing them inside your refrigerator.

Away from sunlight

Always store your Jerusalem artichoke tubers away from sunlight. Sunlight dehydrates the Tuber. The lack of water causes your Jerusalem artichoke tubers to become loose and mushy. Sunlight acts as a catalyst in spoiling your fruits and vegetables.

Exposure to sunlight raises the temperature of your Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The rise in your Tuber’s heat invites bacterial invasion. The bacteria invade and rot your tubers as mold appears on its surface.

Can you Freeze Jerusalem artichoke?

You can easily freeze your Jerusalem artichoke tubers like other vegetables. It extends the life span of your tubers considerably. The freezer offers a long-term solution to storage problems. The Jerusalem artichoke tubers are properly washed and dried. The tubers are packed and placed inside the freezer. The tubers can last several months inside your freezer.

Freezing your Jerusalem artichoke frees you from storage tension. However, there is one demerit of freezing your tubers. The Jerusalem artichoke tubers will lose their natural attributes upon thawing.

How long does the Jerusalem artichoke last?

The life span of your tubers depends on the storage medium. The life period of Jerusalem artichoke tubers varies with different mediums. Humid conditions keep the tubers fresh for a long time.

In the pantry, your Jerusalem artichoke tubers can last up to 3-4 weeks easily. Humid room temperature might increase this life span to 5-6 weeks. In winters, the low room temperature might cause your Jerusalem artichoke to become loose and soft.

The refrigerator keeps your Jerusalem artichoke tubers fresh for about two to three months. The cool breeze of your fridge provides ideal conditions for your Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The refrigerator keeps your tubers fresh, tender, and juicy.

Freezer can freeze Jerusalem artichoke tubers for 8-9 months. Freezing offers long life to your tubers. The tubers will eventually lose their natural attributes upon thawing. The appearance, aroma, and taste of your tubers will change.

How to tell if Jerusalem artichoke is Bad?

Detecting your rotten Jerusalem artichoke tubers is very easy. It depends mainly on your basic senses and instincts. Rotten tubers are no longer usable and should be thrown away. The signs enlisted below indicate that your Jerusalem artichoke tubers have gone bad. If these signs appear on your Jerusalem artichoke tubers, they are no longer usable.

Fresh Jerusalem artichoke tubers are hard and tight. Rotten tubers are loose and mushy. It can be detected by simply poking your Jerusalem artichoke tuber.
The development of moss on the Tuber’s surface shows it has been spoiled. The mold is usually due to the presence of bacteria in the Tuber.
Rotten parts of Jerusalem artichoke tuber will appear dark brown. Cut this part off. The part of the Tuber uninfected is safe to use.
Spoiled Jerusalem artichoke tubers generate a very bad smell. You can tell by the smell the tubers have gone bad. Your tubers are expired and must be discarded.