Abstract: Novel processes are provided for the preparation of useful materials from tubers of Jerusalem artichoke or similar inulin-containing plants. In one process, a flour is prepared from such tubers which comprises the steps of: macerating the tubers to a pumpable fluid homogenate, preferably in an environment of steam; heating the pumpable fluid homogenate at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. C. for a time ranging, respectively, from about 15 seconds to about 10 minutes; subjecting the heated, pumpable fluid homogenate to spray-drying in a stream of hot gas, and recovering a flour comprising a mixture of monosaccharides, small oligosaccharides and large oligosaccharides, e.g. about 50-60% small fructooligosaccharides and about 40-50% large oligosaccharides. In another process, a food-grade accidulant, preferably acetic acid is added, either before, during or after the macerating step to provide an acidified, pumpable fluid homogenate of such tubers.