Burdock

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Burdock today is well known as a hardly and strong root vegetable. Native to England, burdock’s introduction to North America was written about in 1672 by John Josselyn. While writing a pamphlet called New Englands Rarities Discovered, he listed “such Plants as have sprung up since the English Planted and kept Cattle in New-England,” including common burdock.

The early settlers introduced it for its medicinal properties, rather than as food. They taught the native Indians in the making of a roasted-root tea to treat various ills. Among the Iroquois, after days of fasting, young men were known to drink the bitter tea in hopes of retaining their spirit-quest visions.

Burdock grows well in USDA zones 3-9. Plant burdock seeds about 1/2 inch deep and at least 8 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until germination, which takes no more than seven days. Once the seeds sprout, almost no care is required.  From all the research Ive done and with my own experience about these very strong growing plants, I suggest two things. Firstly, Harvest in the first year, leaving the root in any longer gives a woody stem. Secondly, Grow in tall narrow grow bags or boxes as this trains the root to grow straighter and is easier to pull and cook with. The roots will be ready for harvest in about 90 days, though young leaves can be picked much earlier

Raw burdock root has a crunchy and crisp texture similar to radish. Once cooked and softened, burdock root takes on an earthy, nutty flavor that pairs well with chicken or pork, and with rice or potatoes.

A simple way Burdock is prepared is to wash the burdock roots well to remove any dirt and grit, then slice into one inch rounds. Place the burdock rounds into a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the roots out onto a sheet pan, cut sides down. Roast for 15 minutes or until golden on one side, then flip.

I have read accounts of it being simmered in maple syrup by Native groups. It can be easily dried and turned into flour. Burdock root tea has an earthy, sweet flavor & can be drunk hot or cold.