Crosnes

Crosnes (pronounced "crones") are actually small, cream-colored tubers that often fly under the radar of seriously delicious produce. Their shape might be a bit uncommon, but their flavor resembles that of sunchoke, and you can apply the same cooking techniques to enjoy. Toting a unique crunchy texture when raw, crosnes are ideal for pickling and, when roasted, their taste concentrates to a slightly sweet and velvety smooth consistency. You often won't see these anywhere in the market or grocery store because they are so difficult to harvest — entirely picked by hand.  Surprisingly, crosnes are actually a part of the mint family. Originating in Japan, these tasty tubers made their way to China and became an important ingredient in Chinese medicine. The entire vegetable is revered as a symbol of longevity and well-known cold remedy. It carries a French name since it's arrival in Europe in the 1880s and landed in the town of 'Crosne', giving it its namesake. Also known as Chinese articho