Gobo is the Japanese name for the root of the burdock plant. It is used as a vegetable in many traditional Japanese dishes.
The burdock roots have also been used in treating chronic diseases such as cancers and diabetes as a "blood purifier" to remove toxins. Likewise, extracts of burdock roots are used for skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
My Mother prepares Kimpira Gobo, stirred fried burdock root in olive oil. The root is then seasoned with brown sugar, mirin (cooking rice wine) soy sauce and Hichimi tougarsdhi (mixture of seven peppery spices). As in most traditional Japanese dishes, the preparation of Kimpira Gobo is tedious and time consuming. Usually eaten as a side dish and can " dress-up" any bento boxes (traditional lunch boxes).
Whether or not eating gobo has a direct impact on my health, I enjoy the dish and request for it whenever we are at her home as it's one of my Mother's special dishes.
Aloha -- Cathi
