Burdock root soup
Burdock is a biennial plant, cultivated for its root to be consumed as a vegetable. Burdock root 牛蒡 (other popular names: Arctium lappal, Greater burdock, edible burdock, Lappa burdock) is also called “gobō” in Japan and “u-eong”u-eong” in Korea. When I first saw burdock root at the wet market, I had mistaken it with a tuber called huai san 淮山 or shan yao 山药 (also referred as nagaimo, a Japanese mountain yam). Burdock root can grow up to 1 meter long (2.5ft to 3ft) with a diameter between 2cm to 4cm. It has a sweet but slightly muddy flavour.
Burdock root is rich in nutrients such as proteins, vitamins (Vitamin A, C, B1, E, K and folate), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphoros) and dietary fiber. Given its high nutritional value, burdock root is also regarded as “Oriental Ginseng” (东洋参).
Burdock root provides plenty of health benefits. It is used as a diuretic, diaphoretic and a blood purifying agent in traditional herbal remedies. It aids peristalsis of the intestines, prevents constipation and abdominal flatulence. It also enhances blood circulation, prevents high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cerebrovascular disease and cancer. It’s also used to treat skin diseases (such as psoriasis and eczema) and burns. Burdock root oil is useful to strengthen and beautify hair by improving scalp circulation, combat hair loss and dandruff. Chinese medicine practitioners combine burdock root with other herbs to treat measles, tonsillitis, colds and sore throat.
Even though burdock root is loaded with nutrients, it may trigger certain side effects. Burdock root can cause allergy reaction to those who are already sensitive to daises, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. As a diuretic, it is also not recommended for people who are suffering from dehydration. Pregnant women should also avoid burdock root as it may cause uterus stimulation. Since burdock root may also affect blood sugar level, people on diabetic medication should also avoid it. More write-ups about these side effects can be found HERE and HERE. If you intend to use burdock to treat any specific ailment or consume it as supplement, it is recommended to consult a trained medical practitioner or doctor prior to using.
Burdock root has also gained popularity for its culinary uses in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Burdock root can be cooked in a variety of ways such as an appetizer, stew, addition to soup, baked as bread and cakes, and even made into snack food.
So far, my son didn’t really show much interest for soups that I made with burdock root. But, this burdock root soup I am featuring today is an exception. It is a combination of corns on the cob, carrot and burdock root. I used the natural sweetness of corns and candied dates to cover the earthy taste of the burdock root. Hence, the overall taste is very delicious and welcoming to kids. When my son took a sip of the soup, he got hooked immediately. After drinking the entire bowl of soup, he ate all the ingredients served in it, including the burdock root slices too! Wow! I couldn’t believe my eyes! My trick works!!
This “kid-approved” soup is very nourishing and full of nutrients. It makes a great start for those who are new to burdock root. If you drink the soup and eat the cooked ingredients, then you will get to enjoy more health benefits from this soup and minimise any wastage.
Other reading references:
– Wikipedia
– 百度百科
– Buzzle
– About.com
– Dick Contino
Get the recipe for BURDOCK ROOT SOUP at PAGE 2 BELOW.
LK, this soup looks so good and is so nutritious too! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe 🙂
Jen (SW): Thanks!! Do try it out soon! 😉
Very nutritious, I should buy burdock root more. 😉
Ching (LCOM): Yes, it’s a great soup for the entire family! 😉
It must have been age ago that I had burdock root…the soup looks nutritious and delicious.
Angie: Can you find burdock at your place? 😉
Thanks for sharing this recipe, I am searching for long time on how to make burdock root soup! 🙂
Alice: It’s my pleasure to share! Do try it out soon and share with me your feedback. 😉
I’ve never had burdock root before but from the way you’ve described it, I’m sure it’s delicious in this soup!
Joanne: Yes, it’s tried and tested by my son. 😉
Indeed. Burdock seems to look like a “slender” version of 淮山 🙂 but they are different. I was planning to use them to cook soups too but have not got my hands to any burdock root yet.
Tigerfish: Give this recipe a try if you can find them. 🙂
Japanese use Gobo (that’s how we call it) in many dishes. I really like this crunchy texture along with lotus root. It’s been my favorite vegetables for a long time. It sounds funny when I say I like “root” vegetable…but it’s true, I love them. 🙂 Your soup looks super delicious! It’s perfect for fall/winter comfort meal.
Nami (JOC): Thanks!! Though I haven’t tasted gobo with lotus root, it sounds very delicious to me. Yum! 😉
I have heard so much about burdock but just dont know how to cook. Now that you have shared, I shall try this one day.
Chris: Do try it out soon! Happy trying! 😉
I think this is my first time to encounter birdock root…
Peachkins: Burdock root is new to me too! 😉
I shall conjure this up for my cousin then! He’ll love it probably ~ with his tastebuds that love healthy stuff. Cheers to you! Thanks ^^
Chickenalex: Thanks for dropping by!! Hope it will suit your cousin’s tastebud. 😉
My family definitely loves this 🙂
Never cook soup with burdock roots b4, now I shall try this recipe – tq 🙂
Alice: Try it out soon! 😉
Hi LK,
I love soup especially with Chinese herbs.
I made burdock soup one night and it gave out a nice aroma.
Will try to make more burdock meals it’s good for us!
I find by adding corn to soup always a winner for the kids .. It’s the sweetness!
Thank you,
Lisa
Cookng Sisters
Lisa: Do give this recipe a try! 😉
Hi,
Can I use black vinegar ?
I find that handling the burdock is a challenge. It turns black easily.
Ling
Ling: If you soak the burdock into black vinegar, wouldn’t the burdock look black even before it turns black? I haven’t tried it before but you’re free to do your experiment. 😉
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Hi can i know where to get burdock root? NTUC?
Elaine: I bought mine from NTUC. There are two types of burdock: Chinese and Japanese. I use the former for this soup recipe. 😉
I am a vegetarian so can I substitute something else for the pork or chicken meat?
Jacqui: Maybe you can try vegetarian mock meat or dry shiitake mushrooms. 🙂
Thank you! Of course, why didn’t I think of shiitake mushrooms?
Jacqui: You’re most welcomed! 🙂
Hi! I almost mixed this up with Hwai san when looking for it at NTUC. Where did you get your burdock root from? Can’t seem to find it in Singapore 🙁
Jayce: Burdock root can be easily found in supermarket and wet market. The one I used for making the soup is from China. 🙂
Why is it sticky ? Do I need to wash off the stickiness before cooking ?
Alicek: Sorry for the confusion. It is not sticky but it will oxidize very fast.:)