Jerusalem artichokes emerging as a biofuels crop

The versatile root vegetable has many industrial applications.

Scientists in Canada are evaluating Jerusalem artichoke production as a feedstock for biofuels production. The versatile crop has many industrial applications and could displace some corn which is currently diverted to ethanol.
It is anticipated that a grower cooperative will be established in the Okanogan Valley in central British Colombia to cultivate Jerusalem artichokes, which will be used to produce organic inulin and other derivatives.
A native of the temperate zones of North America, Jerusalem artichokes were introduced into Europe where they have been consumed as a root vegetable for over four centuries.