The root of a of the greater burdock plant family that is mainly cultivated for its root and is considered a vegetable
The roots are brown and roughly 1-2 inches in diameter and can grow up to 1 meter in length
It has a white, slightly brown flesh that is crunchy in texture
Most commonly found in Japanese cuisine and specifically in Chinese medicine
It is sweet, earthy, and dark to taste and adds a wonderful flavor to soups, although it can be quite strong, so use less first and adjust as you need. Do taste it!
Can be used fried, raw, processed or made into a drink
How do I prepare it?
Rinse the roots in warm water and optionally peel off skin prior to usage
I would suggest to soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes to remove the muddy harshness flavor associated with the root, but some like that earthy taste, which adds to the flavor, so this is your call
Cut into large bite-sizes for soups and consumption
Where can I buy it and cost?
Available in most Asian supermarkets
5-6 foot long pieces cost around $5 CAD
Any benefits?
High in dietary fiber and low in calories and fat
Contains high amounts of calcium, potassium, iron and amino acids
As a Chinese medicine, it has a diuretic effect and promotes bowel movements
It is also effective in removing wind heat from the body as well as phlegm
Helps to reduce blood sugar, blood fat and blood pressure
Any precautions?
Some burdocks resemble another plant called nightshade and contamination may occur
Be sure to buy burdocks from a reputable source
Looking to build your basic Chinese Soup Pantry?
This is a great starter video to build our your basic Chinese soup pantry. A handful of these ingredients are actual amazing with one simple chicken. It’s your basic Chicken Herbal Soup here!
Tea Name: Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea Traditional Chinese Name: 雪梨蘋果菊花清熱茶 (xuě lí píng guǒ jú huā qīng rè chá) Nature: Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food tastes!) For more...
Sauce Name: Japanese inspired vinaigrette (for beef carpaccio or salads or as an appetizers) Nature: Warm (which is primarily the vinegar) Taste: Sour and bitter and slightly sweet Targets: Liver and stomach For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.Yes! ...
6 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN EVERY DAY LIFE(A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE)Practicing and living in Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts isn't hard! It's actually all about what you consume, when you consume it, your...
Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature: Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...
Soup Name: Korean Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (Soup) Nature: Cool (although could be warmer depending on how spicy you make it, but this is driven by the cooling white radish and tofu) Taste: Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.I know there's a...
Tea Name: Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea Traditional Chinese Name: 雪梨蘋果菊花清熱茶 (xuě lí píng guǒ jú huā qīng rè chá) Nature: Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food tastes!) For more...
Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature: Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...
Soup Name: Korean Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (Soup) Nature: Cool (although could be warmer depending on how spicy you make it, but this is driven by the cooling white radish and tofu) Taste: Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.I know there's a...
Tea Name: Chinese-Styled Cream of Corn and Egg Drop Soup Chinese Name: 玉米湯 (yù mǐ tāng) Nature: Warm Taste: Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.There are as many versions of a Chinese-styled corn and egg drop soup as there are likely ABC...
Tea Name: The Salted Orange Traditional Chinese Name: 鹽蒸橙子 (yán zhēng chéngzi) Nature: warm Taste: sweet, salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.What? Salted oranges? Let's start by saying that if you see a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor (and even...