ZZZ DISCONTINUED Burdock Seed Japanese Takinogawa

Considering the many uses of this vegetable it is staggering it has fallen out of favour in the UK and Europe alike, though in the US and particularly Japan (where it is used to make kimpira) it is still widely cultivated and eaten.

Traditionally grown as a root vegetable, the roots can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long and have a sweet flavour similar to parsnips while others say it has more of an anise flavour. Some cooks think it has a muddy taste but tbis can be avoided by soaking the julienned pieces in water for ten minutes or so before using in stirfries or salads. We prefer to simply peel the skin from the roots and then roast them, but be careful as they are more delicate than a parsnip and will burn quicker.  Alternatively, cook them as you would carrots.

Burdock is a biennial. During its first year it will produce flowers, but in its second year it will flower and seed. Before opening, the young flowers can also be eaten and these have a taste similar to artichokes. The soft young leaves can also be eaten and these are popular in Japanese cooking.

In the US the stalks are used as a Cardoon substitute, peeled before being boiled in water and then finally breaded and fried.

And,of course, where would we be without the good old-fashioned drink, Dandelion and Burdock? 

So this really is a highly versatile veg that we just can't recommend enough! This is a late-maturing variety.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Sow from early March to late April in shallow drills 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Thin to 10" (25 cm) apart in the row when large enough to handle.
• Harvest after approximately four months / in autumn time. If you wait until the leaves die down the roots tend to be larger!
• Leaves can be picked prior to digging up the roots.
• Can be eaten raw or cooked.
• A Word Of Caution Take care when working around the growing plants as repeated skin contact against the foliage can sometimes cause a rash and blisters, just as parsnip foliage can.