Helianthus
Helianti is a perennial vegetable in the genus Helianthus, within the aster family, Asteraceae. It is sold as a garden crop under the name Helianthus strumosus and combines edible underground parts with ornamental yellow flowers. Here helianti means this particular vegetable, rather than every sunflower in the genus. Its culinary use is close to that of Jerusalem artichoke, but the two should not be confused with one another.The plant develops tall stems, often around two metres high and sometimes more depending on conditions. Upright growth and branching give it a substantial presence among vegetables. Its green leaves are elongated, pointed and slightly rough to the touch. The foliage can create a leafy screen, clearly distinguishing helianti from small salad crops or low edging plants. Its outline remains important even before the flowers appear.Towards late summer and early autumn, yellow flower heads appear at the tops of the stems. As in…
