Burdock Root– All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is burdock root?

Burdock root is a vegetable that looks almost like a long, thin version of ginger. Burdock root can range in color from brown, beige and nearly black on its exterior skin.

The burdock root has been used for centuries as a form of natural medicine. Everything from the burdock root, seeds, and leaves can be used. Health benefits of burdock roots include its highly potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with skin issues, natural diuretic properties,

Burdock root can be found in its whole form or sliced and dried. You can also find burdock root in the form of capsule pills, oils, or powder.

Where did burdock root originate from?

Burdock root originates from Northern Asia and Europe. The burdock root has been used for centuries, particularly in Asian countries, as a natural medicine because of its many healing properties. In Japan, the burdock root is also referred to as the popular gobo root.

Although originally from Asian countries and Europe, burdock root is also widely grown and available in the United States. Burdock root is used in various forms, including whole, powder, dried, and capsules.

What is the nutritional value of burdock root?

One serving of a burdock root provides 112 calories. 14% of your Daily Value (DV) of potassium is found in a serving of burdock root, as well as 9% (or 27 grams) of total carbohydrates, 21% (or approximately 5 grams) of fiber, and 5% (or 2.4 grams) of protein. A serving of burdock root will also provide a host of vitamins and minerals, including 19% of vitamin B6, 8% of vitamin C, 7% of iron, 6% of calcium, 3% of zinc, and more.

What are the benefits of eating burdock root?

The health benefits and medicinal properties of burdock root are just a few of its most notable attributes. Burdock root is commonly used to help remove toxins from the blood. It is said that burdock root contains certain active ingredients that can be used to help purify and remove toxins from the bloodstream. Because of its purifying properties, burdock root has been used for centuries as a natural antidote for poisoning and remedying certain infections.

Burdock root is full of potent antioxidants that protect the body. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties within burdock root also can help with skin issues such as acne and eczema.

Burdock root is sometimes considered a natural diuretic. Do not consume burdock root if you are taking other diuretics, water pills, or if you are dehydrated. Doing so may cause increased dehydration.

How is burdock root grown?

The burdock plant is considered biennial, meaning it can grow for up to two years before it dies. In its first year of growth, burdock plants will sprout a magenta-hued flower bud. This bud will turn into a flowering spike in its second year. The roots of a burdock plant can grow up to two feet in length. This growth process typically occurs within 90-120 days. These roots are best grown and harvested when planted in sandy, loose soil. The seeds of a burdock plant will self-seed and can easily overgrow. However, if you are growing burdock plants simply for the roots, you can easily cut off the heads and flowering buds to prevent overgrowth.

Something to note: Only purchase and consume burdock root from reputable retailers. Although the burdock root is edible, never collect and consume it in the wild on your own. When grown in the wild, burdock root looks similar in appearance to belladonna nightshade plants, which are considered highly toxic. These plants often grow beside each other.

When is burdock root in season?

The roots of a burdock plant are commonly harvested at the end of its first year of growth (typically in the fall) or before it grows a shoot during the plant’s second year in the spring. See what other vegetables are in season.

How to store burdock root

Burdock root has a relatively long shelf life. When wrapped in damp paper towels and placed in a plastic bag in the fridge, unwashed burdock roots should last for 2-3 weeks.

Burdock root powders will typically stay fresh for 2-3 years. However, it is important to always check the expiration date on the package. Like other herbs, expiration can be difficult to identify, but a good rule of thumb is to check the smell and appearance. If you notice an off smell or a color change, it may be time to replace the burdock root powder. Shop for burdock root powder.

How to tell if burdock root is bad?

If you are shopping for burdock root, look for unbroken roots and have firm skin and overall texture. Less mature burdock roots are typically smaller, more fibrous, and less firm. If burdock root has become dry or limp, you can try soaking in water to reabsorb moisture and become firm once again.

Burdock root starts to spoil when the color changes from beige or light brown to gray or dark brown. The texture will change from firm to limp, and the taste will alter from slightly sweet to sour.

If you are looking to have your groceries conveniently delivered, you can easily shop for burdock root and more via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop burdock root.

What can I substitute for burdock root?

Because of its firm texture, substitutes for burdock root include carrots or radishes. Around the world, burdock root is eaten similarly to other root vegetables. One of the most popular root vegetables, and burdock root substitutes, are potatoes. Just from their appearance alone, burdock roots and potatoes, once cut, look quite similar to one another. View popular root vegetables.

Instacart

Author

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.