Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Grown in California and Hawaii, gobo root is typically available year round.
Current Facts
Gobo root is the Japanese name for the taproot of the young perennial burdock plant. The burdock plant is cultivated specifically for its young taproots, shoots and leaves. It is harvested in its first year of growth as the roots and foliage lose their culinary value with age. Burdock is a member of the thistle family and it is known for its prickly irritating and undigestible burrs that flower from its foliage.
Description/Taste
Gobo root is long and slender, growing up to three feet in length. Its course thin skin is the color of earth and its flesh, a crisp off-white contrast. The root is sweet, mild and earthy. Younger roots are preferred as mature roots become fibrous and woody.
Nutritional Value
Gobo root is dried and powdered or made into an oil extract for use as a dietary supplement as it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
Applications
Gobo root is a traditional Asian ingredient often found in stews, stir fries, and braised dishes. It's starchy qualities also lend themselves well to frying. It's nutty flavor makes for a great simple side dish, when sliced thin, then simmered slowly in a flavorful cooking liquid.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Gobo root is especially popular in Japanese cuisine.
Geography/History
The burdock plant is native to Siberia and Eastern Europe. It is primarily cultivate for culinary use in Japan. Burdock grows wild along roadsides and around field boundaries throughout Britain, Europe and North America. It was brought to America in the late 1800's where it was considered to simply be a flowering weed. Today, it is grown primarily in California and Hawaii, both states with a high Asian immigrant population.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Saiko Sushi | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gobo Root. One
is easiest, three is harder.
