Why "Jerusalem" Artichoke and Cherry Have Nothing to Do with the Holy Land

Neither Jerusalem artichoke nor Jerusalem cherry originates from Jerusalem. Both are New World plants with names resulting from linguistic corruption and marketing.

Jerusalem Artichoke: A Misheard Italian Name

Helianthus tuberosus was called girasole articiocco ("sunflower artichoke") in Italy. "Girasole" sounded like "Jerusalem" to English speakers, and the name stuck.

Jerusalem Cherry: Multiple Theories, No Certainty

Solanum pseudocapsicum is native to Peru. Theories include: a gardener brought seeds from a Jerusalem garden; "Jerusalem" was a generic term for "exotic"; or confusion with Madeira winter cherry (same species, different trade route).

Both plants are American natives with zero Middle Eastern connection—just victims of historical linguistic drift.