Burdock

Burdock is a large, brown root cultivated for its tender, crunchy white flesh which has a sweet, mild, earthy flavor reminiscent of artichokes. This highly nutritious root is a favorite in East Asia, and an essential part of the Zen Buddhist diet. Add to soups and stir-fries for richer flavor, or make traditional dishes like Chinese Burdock Bone Soup, Kimpira Gobo and Ueong Jorim. This first-year winter-hardy variety flowers ornamental purple burs from July to October and provides essential pollen and nectar for honeybees around August. Burdock plants can grow up to 3 feet tall.

Also Known As: niúbàng (牛蒡), gobō, u-eong (우엉), tong u-eong (통우엉), ci cai ji, dong yang lu bo, edible burdock, gobo, ngao pong, niu pang, uang.

Planting Instructions:

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in a sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil after all danger of frost has passed in the Spring. Try to avoid heavy clay soils for best results. You may optionally improve germination by by soaking seeds for 24 hours in warm water. Water as needed to keep the soil moist. Harvest roots when 20-30 inches in length.