Roots and sunshine

So, I bought this root today at the farmers' market called Sunchoke, also known as Jerusalem Artichoke, although it is neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke. In the year 1621, the English gardner John Goodyer had this to say about the Sunchoke:

" which way soever they be dressed and eaten, they stir and cause a filthy loathsome stinking wind within the body, thereby causing the belly to be pained and tormented, and are a meat more fit for swine than men."

Nonetheless, I bought them out of curiosity, and I plan to cook them up and give them a try. Maybe in the years since 1621, their cultivation has been refined, and if not, at least they're a good source of iron.

I'm more excited about another root that I bought for the first time today: Celery Root (or Celeraic), which you see pictured above. It is said to have a celery flavor and can be used in soups or stews, eaten raw in salads, steamed, sauteed, or even mashed like potatoes. No mention anywhere of it ever tormenting the belly. That's good.

Saturday Shopping List

1 celery root

3 Sunchoke roots

1 stalk of Brussels sprouts

1 Roman cauliflower

1 head of green leaf lettuce

1 pint of white mushrooms

4 medium-sized parsnips

4 yellow onions

4 shallots

a bunch of green onions

3 bulbs of garlic

1 loaf of French table bread

Total: $29.85

It's cold and brilliant outside today. It was officially only around 20 degrees when we went out this morning, but it's not a bone-chilling cold, it's just a finger-and-toe-freezing cold. The air is biting but you can feel the heat of the sun. No precipitation in the forecast for today. It feels just like it looks in this picture.

We still have lots of chestnuts, potatoes including sweet ones, beans and lentils, and part of that giant cauliflower from last week. I can't wait to try some of these new roots. I'm really falling for winter vegetables, "which way soever they be dressed and eaten." As for the paining and the tormenting, I'll let you know how it goes.