This Sweetener is a Natural Sugar

Natural sugars are found naturally in foods such as fruit (fructose), milk (lactose), and some vegetables. The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as sunchoke, is a native North American plant that grows wild and has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries. Jerusalem artichoke powder is made by slicing the fresh tubers, drying them at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, milling them into a fine powder, and then sieving it to achieve consistent texture.

It’s a Fructo-oligosaccharides

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are composed of short fructose chains linked together by beta bonds that human digestive enzymes cannot break down. Jerusalem artichoke powder is composed of up to 76% FOS, primarily inulin, making it one of the richest natural sources of this prebiotic fiber. This high inulin content can reach 15-20% of the fresh tuber weight.

Inside and Out

Jerusalem artichoke powder has a sweet, slightly nutty taste with earthy undertones. Its FOS content acts as an indigestible sugar that passes through the small intestine unchanged. They go to your large intestine, where they are selectively fermented by beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria in your gut. This process produces short-chain fatty acids including butyrate that keep the lining of your gut healthy and support immune function. Since FOS is not digested by human enzymes, it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.

Put it to Good Use

Jerusalem artichoke powder is about 50% as sweet as table sugar. You may need to use this sweetener in conjunction with another sweetener to achieve desired sweetness. Use it for baked goods, smoothies, sauces, and as a thickening agent for savory recipes.