Burdock Root

I've been wanting to try burdock root for the longest time. In part, because I know it's super good for you, but in addition, I have a recipe for sweet and sour burdock root I've been dying to make.

I went to Souen, a macrobiotic restaurant in Union Square, for lunch the other day and they have tons of burdock root on the menu. They had a burdock root soup, a burdock root sandwich and other variations. These dishes were appealing but I wanted an idea of what it's individual flavor was like. I ordered a side of burdock root, solo.

Findngs: it is grayish purple in color, which I wasn't expecting, because in the picture for my sweet and sour recipe it is orange (guess that's the sauce). It's texture is different than any other vegetable I've had. It's hard, almost as hard as a carrot, and when you bite into it, it's top layer has that carrot like crunch. Sinking your teeth all the way into the root, you'll find it's inner layers are sort of sticky or gummy. While this description probably makes it sound horrible, it was actually pretty good. I think the gumminess makes it kind of fun to eat. It doesn't have too much flavor on it's own, so I could see why it would be added to stews or sandwiches. I would definitely cook with it for it's unique texture and great health benefits.

What are the health benefits of burdock? For starters, it's high in iron, which is a plus for vegetarians especially. In addition to it's iron content, burdock is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, folacin, and fiber.

Historically, the root vegetable, has been used as a remedy for both fevers and colds, urinary tract infections, and rheumatism. It is an amazing blood purifier as well. Holisticaly prescribed to aid in a timely recovery from illness and relief from arthritis and diseases of the skin, burdock was combined with other herbs in Ancient Chinese Medicine to treat colds, measles, sore throats, and tonsillitis.

As with many herbs these days, those that don't wish to eat the root, can buy burdock root oil or capsules. My personal viewpoint: just eat it! Dress it up if you need to, but eat it rather than all the other junk that's out there. :D

Well, I'm convinced! Sweet and sour burdock root it is!



http://www.nutrasanus.com/burdock.html
http://www.souen.net/unique.html