Naturally grown burdock (Ueno-san)

Naturally grown burdock from Ueno, Kumamoto Prefecture

We have received a shipment of naturally grown burdock from Ueno-san.

Burdock is rich in dietary fiber and has the effect of warming the body.

It's not too long and thin, so it's easy to cook.

Burdock is said to be a difficult crop to grow naturally because it does not grow straight unless the soil is soft and deep.

Naturally grown burdock is only possible thanks to Ueno's soil preparation.

This vegetable is essential for cooking, so please get it early.


Ueno has been committed to natural farming since he started farming

Masuhisa Ueno is a natural farmer who is indispensable to Purely.
He encountered Purely when he first began farming and has been farming using natural farming methods from the very beginning.



At first, the crops did not grow well and there were even reports of total destruction.
"At first, I didn't know anything about natural farming, so I just followed what I saw. But it didn't work at all. When I started growing onions here, almost all of them died after about two years."
Although Ueno can now laugh about his failures, he says that it was extremely difficult at the beginning.

Nevertheless, he has managed to look at his failures in a positive way, and has proactively participated in lectures sponsored by Purely and training sessions organized by the National Natural Farming Promotion Association.
"Looking back, this failure taught me the importance of soil preparation," he says, and he has continued to make steady progress.


Now, among Purely's partner producers, they produce a wide variety of naturally grown vegetables, which is one of the best.
Most of the produce is produced from seeds we collect ourselves or purchased fixed varieties, and we are committed to natural cultivation from seeds.
"I want to make natural farming a normal part of agriculture. I believe I can do it, and I want to continue spreading the word by continuing to focus solely on natural farming."

Ueno is passionate about natural farming and works hard at it every day.
Please enjoy our naturally grown burdock, which is full of Ueno's passion.


Burdock salad with black sesame and mayonnaise
[Ingredients] 4 servings
1/2 burdock (about 100g)
1/4 carrot (approx. 50g)

Black sesame mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise or soy milk mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose vinegar (you can add more if you like)
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

【How to make】
1. Cut the burdock and carrot into thin strips. Boil water in a pot, boil the carrot briefly, remove it from the water, and then boil the burdock in the same water until it is firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook it.
2. Combine the ingredients for the black sesame mayonnaise sauce and add the burdock and carrot from step 1.


Plum and burdock
【material】
1 burdock root (approx. 200g)
2-3 pickled plums (seeds removed and torn)
A little soy sauce
A little sesame oil (or rapeseed oil)

【How to make】
1. Cut the burdock into 3-4cm pieces. You can also pound it lightly with a rolling pin.
2. Heat oil in a pan and stir fry the burdock for a few minutes, rolling it around.
3. Add water up to about half the height of the burdock and sprinkle pickled plums on top.
Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add a little soy sauce, remove the lid and simmer until the liquid is reduced.