Jerusalem artichoke

noun

1. Also called girasol. a sunflower, Helianthus tuberosus, having edible, tuberous, underground stems or rootstocks.
2. Also called sunchoke. the tuber itself.

Jerusalem artichoke

noun

1. a North American sunflower, Helianthus tuberosus, widely cultivated for its underground edible tubers
2. the tuber of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jerusalem artichoke¹

1635–45; alteration of Italian girasole articiocco edible sunflower. See girasol, artichoke

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jerusalem artichoke¹

C17: by folk etymology from Italian girasole articiocco; see girasol

Example Sentences

Jerusalem artichoke, or sunchoke, a perennial sunflower, will try to outdo even the tall coneflower in height and inclination to spread.

From Seattle Times

If you thought Jerusalem artichokes were confusingly named, it turns out tropical tubers might be even more perplexing.

From Salon

There’s a mad scientist feel to her: When she finds Jerusalem artichokes, she turns them into ice cream.

From Washington Times

A couple of weeks before he died, I cooked him Jerusalem artichoke soup.

From New York Times

And if artichoke makes you think of Jerusalem artichokes, don’t even bother.

From Washington Post