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Durum is the hardest of all wheats. Its high protein content and gluten strength make durum good for pasta and bread. Semolina is coarsely ground durum wheat, with particles mostly between 0.25 and 0.75 mm in diameter. The same milling grade is called grits if made from maize, and farina if made from barley or wheat other than 100% durum.

Semolina is the primary ingredient in all pasta

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called the sunroot or sunchoke or earth apple or topinambur, is a species of sunflower native to the eastern United States, from Maine west to North Dakota, and south to northern Florida and Texas. It is also cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable.



Unlike most tubers, but in common with other members of the Asteraceae (including the artichoke), the tubers store the carbohydrate inulin (not to be confused with insulin) instead of starch. For this reason, Jerusalem artichoke tubers are an important source of fructose for industry. The crop yields are high, typically 16–20 tonnes/ha for tubers, and 18–28 tonnes/ha green weight for foliage. Jerusalem artichoke also has a great deal of unused potential as a producer of ethanol fuel, using inulin-adapted strains of yeast for fermentation.



Jerusalem artichokes are easy to cultivate, which tempts gardeners to simply leave them completely alone to grow. However the quality of the edible tubers degrades unless the plants are dug up and replanted in fertile soil. This can be a chore, as even a small piece of tuber will grow if left in the ground, making the hardy plant a potential weed.





Jerusalem artichokes The tubers, which resemble ginger root, have a consistency much like potatoes, and in their raw form have a similar taste to potatoes except they are crunchier and sweeter with a slightly nutty taste. The carbohydrates give the tubers a tendency to become soft and mushy if boiled, so it is best to steam them lightly to preserve their texture. The inulin is not well digested by some people, leading in some cases to flatulence and gastric pain.





source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke