Burdock Takinogawa Long or Gobo - Ferme de Ste Marthe untreated seeds

'Takinogawa Long' is a giant variety of Burdock, native to Siberia and very popular in Japan. It reaches a height of 2.5 meters. This biennial plant is cultivated for its gigantic 40 to 50 cm long roots, which are used like scorzonera or salsify. Sow from February to July and harvest 18 months later.

Burdock has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages and is very popular in Asia. Its root is generally eaten roasted, braised or sautéed. Young shoots can be prepared like asparagus. The young, tender leaves can be finely chopped and added to salads. Burdock leaves can also be cooked and eaten like chard or spinach. Burdock has detoxifying, depurative and diuretic properties and is often used as an essential oil.

Harvesting and storage: for immediate use, harvest the leaves and roots as and when required. Otherwise, wait until the plant starts to flower, then leave to dry in a well-ventilated room.

Good to know: Mulching with crushed burdock is said to be an effective way to fight mildew. Its ability to "concentrate" copper ions makes it a useful natural fungicide. Burdock benefits from a supply of manure or well-rotted compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

NB. Untreated seeds are produced from conventionally grown plants (that are often treated with phytosanitary products), however they do not undergo any post-harvest treatment. These seeds are approved for organic market gardening when organic seeds are not available.