The sunchoke has been increasingly gaining attention as the healthy vegetable. Among them, the red sunchoke, which contains more inulin than the commonly available white sunchoke, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a “super food.” In Aomori, a variety of processed products are produced using the red sunchoke.
Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Suppressant and Intestinal Regulator
The red sunchoke comes from a wild species native to Japan, and was officially registered as a variety several years ago. Most of the common type of sunchoke sold in Japan is white sunchoke, which has a similar appearance to ginger. On the other hand, the red sunchoke is not much different in shape from the white root, but has a dark reddish-purple color overall.
Compared to white sunchoke, red sunchoke contains a richer amount of inulin. Inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, is said to be effective in regulating the intestinal environment and suppressing the rise in blood sugar levels that cause various lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes. Inulin is found not only in the root part but also in the leaves and stems. Although the Japanese name contains the word “imo,” or potato, it is actually a low-calorie vegetable that contains almost no starch.
Aiming for High Quality and Stable Production
The number of growers of red sunchoke is increasing, mostly in the Tsugaru area. The red sunchoke is planted around May each year. The plant grows vigorously, reaching two to three meters in height. It produces bright yellow flowers resembling chrysanthemums in September and October. Harvesting takes place around November, when the flowers season is done and the roots have matured.
The red sunchoke is a plant that grows quickly and vigorously, and its underground roots and potatoes spread over a wide area, making harvesting labor-intensive and time-consuming. Producers work hard to ensure the stable production of high quality red sunchoke and insist on cultivation without the use of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Creating Valuable Processed Products
The red sunchoke will last about a month if stored in a cool, dark place with the soil still attached. However, it will not last long if washed in water, so instead of distributing it in its raw state, the focus has been on creating valuable processed products.
So far, companies in Aomori Prefecture have commercialized a variety of products, including powder processed from red sunchoke, sliced dried chips, and udon noodles with the powder kneaded into the noodles. Inulin can be easily consumed by dissolving these processed products in hot water, warm milk, or coffee, or by adding them to meals or snacks.
In Aomori households, it is often eaten as pickles or stir-fried.
It is sold at produce stands and roadside stations, so it is a must-try local food when you visit Aomori.
