Chinese artichoke - stachys affinis

[Georgie]

Has anyone grown these or even tasted them?  I read an article about them today and apart from the fact that they are apparently slug magnets, I'm really tempted to give them a try.

G x

[Georgie]

[agapanthus]

Mine have not been affected by slugs :) Makes a d**n change....everything else
is !! I love them. Raw they are really crunchy...like waterchestnuts,
but a nicer flavour. Cooked and served with butter....really nutty.
I love 'em!! :)

[Georgie]

YAY!  I'm hooked!   ;D

G x

[agapanthus]

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8)

[Amazin]

agapanthus - is there any similarity to Jerusalem Artichokes?
Of a... er... methanic type, I mean.

:o ;D

[agapanthus]

Amazin......YUP !!!!  ;D ;D Not so bad tho'.

[hazelize_uk]

Hi Georgie they do sound good where are u getting them from??

[Palustris]

They do not give me wind like Jerusalem artichokes, but they are very hard to get clean. They are slightly tender too, so need bit of protection until they begin to grow. They do well in pots though so good for you G>

[Georgie]

Hi Hazel.  Having read this thread someone on here kindly offered to send me a few to try.  Perhaps others could suggest suppliers?

Hi Eric.  I think they are easier to clean if they are grown in compost - at least I hope they will be!   ???

G x

[Amazin]

Hazelize,

You can order them online from Dobies at:

http://www.dobies.co.uk/pd_175293_Artichoke_Chinese_Tubers.htm

or from the Organic Gardening Catalogue at:

http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_22_44_64&products_id=2246

[carolinej]

they are very hard to get clean.

I read that the best way to clean them was to ddrop them in a bucket of water as soon as you dig them up. That way, the soil doesnt dry on and is a lot easier to get off when you get to the kitchen. Dont know if its right though as I have never grown them myself.

cj :)

[Amazin]

That's also what the suppliers recommend, cj.

[hazelize_uk]

Amazin your all full up  :-\

piglets tails how lovely my kids will love that description  :D mind you my 8 year old is a bit gullable hope he doesnt go to school telling his teacher "mum is burying pigs tails on her plot!!" -  i'll have the RSPCA after me :o

do you know if they change colour much after cooking? they'd be good for curly hair on a 'food face' i produce to get them eating stuff disguised as noses eyes and ears !!

[Amazin]

All cleared out now, Hazelize!

The other description of them is 'like maggots' - not sure your kids will be as fond of that...

"Please Miss! Mummy's trying to grow a maggot tree"

:o    ;D