artichoke or flower bulb

Hi
I was given some tubers last year (longish and knobbly, some what like a pink fur apple potato) and planted them assuming they were some sort of flower. They grew to about five foot tall!.No flower was produced and they then died back. Clearing the ground today I doug them up and discovered loads of these tubers under each plant. Now I am beginning to think they may be jerusalem artichokes, any way of identifying them please.
Apologies but I am no gardener, just a learner.
Brian.

 

sounds like jeresulum artichoke....did they look a bit like a sunflower in growth...they do flower again like small sunflowers...but very late in the season so maybe frosts got to yours before they could make flowers (although mine flowered here in preston in a relativly shady spot)

 

Thank you for the speedy replies, Plant man - yes they did look like sun flowers, I didn't think they were going to stop growing up wards!
Marley - they look like the ones in the first pic, only none of the tubers are quite as big.Come to think of it look like ginger root. I suppose I will need a positive ID before cooking them, but i dont know where to get this done:dh:
Shame to waste them, from only four tubers there were loads under the plants. Once again, thanks for all the help.
Kind regards
Brian.

 

Brian - be aware that the Latin name for Jerusalem artichoke is Helianthus tuberosus ( ie a tuberous Helianthus or sunflower). And the Latin name of the common sunflower is Helianthus annuus (ie an annual sunflower).

They are both species of sunflower.

 

brian they taste feally good.....steam them with skins on (scrub dont peel) ...only for 5-10 mins too much and the go soggy.....they are great with seafood ...or mixed with normal mash to make a creamy nutty alternative...very tasty getting the cooking time right takes a bit of getting used too but worth it.

ps the rumours about them giving you wind are very much true!

 

Here's a photo (if I have done it properly). Once I get conformation, they're in the pot! ( the ruler is 6")

 

they dont look knobbly enough to be ginger - plus ginger has such a strong smell

loopy

 

Hope some one can positive ID from the pics so's I can try out the charcoal tablets!

 

Brian..the best suggestion for definate id is to go to one of the more "exclusive/expensive" hotels/restaurants in your area...and to the back door.

Present them to a Chef for identification, most will be enthusiastic about your 'chokes and may even show you how to prepare them. If they do start to prepare them for you..ie break the skin..that will be positive id for you. While your there...ask for some recipe ideas..creamed choke is very nice!

Steve...