Effect of seasonal changes on content and profile of soluble carbohydrates in tubers of different varieties of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.).

A high content (60-65% of dry mass DM) of water soluble carbohydrates was found in early harvested varieties (Bella and Bianka) and middle early varieties (Topstar and Gigant) harvested 22-25 weeks after plantation. In late varieties (Waldspindel, Violet de Rennes, Rote Zonenkugel) a similar amount was obtained (55-60% of DM) when harvested 29-33 weeks after planting. There was a distinctive impact on maturing process as well as frost period alterations which resulted in conversion of high polymer inulin to low polymer inulin as well as to sucrose. In early/middle early varieties a correlation between sucrose and inulin level (r = - 0.952**) with a linear regression of y = - 1.35x + 62.32 was observed, whereas the dpn of inulin decreased from 12-14 to 6-8. In late cultivars this correlation was not as exact (r = - 0.502**); dpn of inulin decreased from 12-16 to 7-10. This knowledge about carbohydrate profiles for different varieties of Jerusalem artichoke offers the possibility of selecting suitable cultivars and deciding the appropriate harvest time for an optimum processing of tubers for their application as prebiotic and novel food component.