Crosnes

These little tubers resemble fat maggots, but still manage to look appetising - you can almost see that Crosnes (Chinese artichokes) are crunchy and juicy. They are very moreish if munched raw - great in salads. They retain their crunchiness if boiled or steamed, and their mild, nutty flavour benefits from some salty melted butter. They reach a high price in posh markets around the world, but are also pretty cheap in places where they are commonplace. I got a whole bag for about €1 from the local French market. One thing that is harder to come by in France is water chestnuts, and crosnes make an ideal substitute.