Japanese Burdock Root (Gobo)

ごぼう

Gobo is burdock root and a very popular vegetable in Japan. It is hard and looks like a tree root, but it gets quite soft when cooked and then it has a mild but distinct flavor.  Though Gobo doesn’t contain very many vitamins, it has a lot of fiber and minerals.  There may be a detox effect on you if you eat regularly.  Gobo can be used in Nimono (boiled and seasoned vegetables), Miso Soup, salads, and many many more dishes. It is often cut Sasagaki (between shaved and sliced) with a knife or peeler, like when you sharpen your pencils with knife.