Jerusalem Artichokes aren't from Jerusalem nor are they artichokes. "Jerusalem" is a corruption of the Italian girasole, meaning "turning toward the sun," which the plant does because it's a sunflower, Helianthus tuberosus. The artichoke name came from a 17th-century French explorer's comparing the taste to artichokes. The vegetable is crisp and delicious, with a delicate flavor resembling water chestnuts. It's especially good sliced in salads, with dips, or marinated in olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. It can also be stir-fried, baked, steamed, or boiled with delicious results. Mama mia!