Jerusalem Artichoke First Harvest

Back in May I planted a late crop of Jerusalem Artichokes. I didn't expect much from them as it was about a month late to get them in the ground and they were just brought off eBay. 

They grew well through the summer and soon established themselves. I did water them a few times with my home made comfrey feed during a dry spell but other than that I left them alone and let our brilliant summer take care of them. 

Good sized tubers. Some as big as a good sized potato

 Last night I dug some up to have with our Sunday roast. I was very pleased with the amount we've got. I dug up one plant and it was far more than we needed, most of the tubers were huge as well which is always a bonus. 

As Cut flowers in September - an added bonus.

Roasted they are deliciously creamy with a beautiful flavour, I really do enjoy them and it was nice to have them again as I've not grown them since we moved here (the last ones rotted in the ground as I picked a wet spot before I knew my garden very well). Also I don't think that there are many more "ill affects" than I usually have and I think that it's a shame they have a reputation as "fartichokes" as I'm sure it puts people off these tasty vegetables. I also prefer their other name of Sunchokes as I think this sells them a little better!

How does everyone else use this veg? I've read that they make a nice soup so I might try that at some point. Anyone got any recipes they'd recommend?

A Very Late Planting Of Jerusalem Artichokes

When we had the Allotment we had a good patch of Jerusalem artichokes and enjoyed them roasted with a meal. when we moved here I planted some I took with us but the plot I chose for them was too wet so they just rotted in the ground. 

 Although it's a little late to be planting them, last weekend I managed to get the ones I managed to get hold of in the ground. I used some pallet collars from my dads work as cheap raised beds and filled them with soil we dug out from the greenhouse. 

Two raised beds with five artichokes to a bed. One bed was one collar high and the other two collars high to see which will do best.

Hopefully by having them in raised beds will mean that if I want to change their location it won't be too much of a problem, as I know they can be a little invasive.

Anyone else grow Jerusalem artichokes? How do you grow yours and do you feed them with; manure to start with or a liquid feed when they're growing?