Burdock, Beggar's buttons, Edible burdock

Where does Burdock grow?

Found in: Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Asia, Australia, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bosnia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, China, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Europe, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Siberia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tasmania, Tibet, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

Notes: There are 10 Arctium species. This one has been declared a noxious weed in Tasmania. It has anti-allergy properties.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is a popular vegetable in Japan. It is called "Gobo". The young stems are eaten by children. It is sold in local markets.

Growing Burdock, Beggar's buttons, Edible burdock

Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. Improved varieties have been selected for cultivation. The seed are sown directly at a depth of 1.5 cm. The soil temperate needs to be above 10°C. Seeds germinate best with temperatures of 20°-25°C. Seed should be soaked for 12 hours before sowing or scratched with fine sandpaper. Seed may take 2 weeks to germinate. A spacing of 20 cm is suitable.

Edible Uses: The young roots are stir fried or added to soups and stews after the bitter element is removed. This is done by peeling then soaking in water for an hour. The roots can also be pickled, made into a paste of made into a drink. Young leaves can be eaten cooked as a vegetable. The pith of the flower stalk can be eaten in salads. Seeds can be sprouted and eaten.

Production: Roots can be harvested after about 5-8 months. Roots should be 25 mm across and 60 cm long. Roots left too long become woody and tough. The flavour of roots is not as good once plants have flowered.

Nutrition Info

Burdock, Beggar's buttons, Edible burdock Photos

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