Burdock is a common food in China. It’s highly nutritious, but not easy to prepare. Here are some tips for preparing burdock.

Nutritional Value of Burdock

Burdock is a deep-rooted plant, with the root being the primary edible part. The taproot can reach approximately one meter into the soil, making soil quality crucial for burdock cultivation. Burdock is highly nutritious, rich in arctiin, arctiol, isoarcidol, vitamins A and B1, and alkaloids. It also contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility and enhances metabolism.

Burdock is native to Japan, with common varieties including Yanagawa and Meibai.

The burdock root can grow up to 120 centimeters deep into the soil, absorbing nutrients, minerals, and enzymes from the soil.

Because of its ginseng-like appearance and high nutritional value, it is also known as “powerful ginseng.” Burdock can be prepared in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, deep-frying, cooking in soups, and brewing tea. It’s also often used in a variety of delicious side dishes and as a medicinal herb.

3 Simple Steps for Preparing Burdock

Storage Methods

Burdock easily loses moisture, causing it to lignify, so it’s best to consume it soon after purchase. If you need to store any leftovers, the optimal storage temperature is between 1°C and 3°C. It’s recommended to refrigerate it in a cool, draft-free area. However, since burdock dehydrates during storage, it’s best to consume it from the thinner end first. The remaining portion can be wrapped in paper towels, placed in a plastic bag, and refrigerated.

How to Prepare Burdock?

3 Simple Steps:

First, wash the burdock and gently scrape the skin with a spoon. This will retain more nutrients.

Then decide whether to shred or slice it. To shred the burdock, first slice it diagonally, then cut it into thin strips. If slicing is desired, it’s also recommended to slice it diagonally, or use a planer to slice it into slices.

Finally, soak the sliced burdock in water or vinegar to prevent it from oxidizing and darkening.