Chinese Artichokes / Crosnes

These Chinese artichokes were grown at KoruKai Herb Farm, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Free from synthetic fertiliser, pesticides and herbicides.
Chinese artichokes are a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family growing to 30-45cm in height. It bears small white root tubers that can be eaten raw or cooked and are often also pickled in China. The tubers have a distinct shape and look a bit like a grub. When eaten raw they are crisp and sweet like a water chestnut. When fried they are more starchy, soft and sweet, resembling a slightly nutty potato or kumara. They work well in a stir-fry, added towards the end as they only need to be fried for a few minutes. In France they are known as crosnes and are typically served braised in herbs and butter, which is our preferred way to eat them.

One plant when grown well can produce the below quantity of edible tubers. You may get about 10-20 tubers per plant, but this can be as much as 30 tubers if conditions are right.