Opportunity: Jerusalem artichokes – surprising medicinal qualities

Why?

• The only producer of Jerusalem artichokes in Quebec is located in the Acton region.
• The product is certified organic.
• The health food and functional food industries are growing fast.
• The producer’s expertise is unique and renowned.
• The current and future capacity for production is significant.

The opportunity:

Characteristics of the Jerusalem artichoke:

• The Jerusalem artichoke (helianthus tuberosus) is a root vegetable in the same family as the sunflower;  
• The Jerusalem artichoke contains prebiotics that promote health in the digestive system by increasing the amount of good bacteria;
• Inulin is a rare carbohydrate that is found in large quantities in the Jerusalem artichoke;
• Inulin encourages intestinal transit by way of its slow absorption and is suitable for diabetics;
• Solid prebiotic foods are easier to digest than liquids, and foods containing inulin are more easily tolerated because the prebiotic effects act more slowly in the intestine;
• Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain reserves of carbohydrates whose breakdown creates large amounts of fructose, the best replacement of sucrose;
• The Jerusalem artichoke is a mealy tuber, so it is very rich in carbohydrates;
• The high fructose content of the Jerusalem artichoke makes it appealing as a possible substitute for sucrose, especially since it is easy to extract;
• The fructose extracted from the Jerusalem artichoke is one-and-a-half times sweeter than sucrose, which translates into a lower calorie/sweetener ratio;
• The Jerusalem artichoke is high in fibre;
• The Jerusalem artichoke contains many minerals that are vital to the proper functioning of one’s energy metabolism;
• The organic Jerusalem artichoke is the same price as the conventional Jerusalem artichoke.

The target:

When?

• The Jerusalem artichoke is harvested in late October.
• The producer currently has a stock of 20,000 pounds of Jerusalem artichokes in bulk.

How much?

Where?