Incorrigible Forageables: Burdock

Burdock is a pretty tenacious plant!  It's the plant that shoots up seed burs that are practically impossible to pull off of your furry dog (especially if her name is Sandy, who has a conniption every time.  So I end up having to just cut her fur instead).

Every part of the plant (leaves, stems and roots) are useful, but it is the root that is most sought after.  It is also the root that is the hardest to access.  Let's just say you want to have some serious digging shovels handy and a strong back to pull the sucker out.

Click here for some pickled Burdock recipes.

This is Sandy.  Can you see how that fur would be a nightmare to deal with when it comes in to contact with Burdock burs?

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Burn Treatment
The leaves of the burdock may be used for pain management and may help speed up recovery time for burns. It is said to impede bacterial growth by acting as a barrier to moisture.

Kinpira Gobo Recipe
Makes 2-1/2 cups
Preparation Time: 35 minutes

Beginners usually get into trouble when they sauté root (gobo in Japanese) instead of simmering or steaming it because sautéing makes it harder to make the root tender. The trick is to slice the root razor-thin and braise it after sautéing, as in this spicy Japanese side-dish.

• 2 tbs. dark (toasted) sesame oil
• 2 cups root, very thinly sliced
• 2 cups wild or commercial carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 tbs. fresh ginger, thinly-sliced
• 1 clove garlic, peeled but not cut
• 1/2 cup redbud wine, mirin (Japanese rice wine), or white wine
• 1/4 cup whole sesame seeds
• 2 tbs. tamari soy sauce
• 1 tbs. chili paste or 1/2 tbs. cayenne hot pepper, or to taste

Sauté the carrots, ginger, and garlic in sesame oil 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove and discard the garlic as soon as it turns slightly brown. Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they pop and become slightly brown and fragrant. Remove the sesame seeds from frying pan and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients to the sautéed vegetables, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Add the sesame seeds. Serve hot as an appetizer, a condiment, or a side dish.