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Burdock
This very common plant is harvested commercially for its root. It is said to have numerous medicinal uses. It is in great favor in Europe for scalp health, and as a topical for acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and other dermatitis uses. It has been used as a blood purifier, and diuretic in traditional folk medicine. It is also used in a popular soda drink.
Many harvest this plant for food, with the Japanese using this as a pot herb, main course, and appetizer. It is in the same family that Artichoke is from, and it is said to resemble it in taste.
This is a easy plant for harvesting, and many land owners will be happy to oblige you with permission to harvest all that you can carry.
It is normally dug in Summer, and the roots are normally about 12 to 14 inches long, altho some will go 2 or 3 feet deep. They are normally about 1 inch thick, but may be larger depending on length. They are somewhat thick skinned and are a fleshy full bodied root. When you cut one open you will see the slightly whiteish inner core and the fleshy interior. The root is somewhat brown to dark grey colored.
The root must be cleaned of any debris and dirt before drying. Drying should be under cover in a shed or attic location with plenty of air circulation. If the roots exceed 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, then they should be sliced in half to avoid mold and uneven drying. The roots should be turned everyday until they are
"Break Brittle" (see previous post about drying). Storage should be in a paper bag, in a dry location until shipping to the buyer. Make sure you annotate what is in the bag, so that you don't send different commodities to the buyer.
Currently this root is selling for $1.50 to $2.00 per pound, dry and clean non moldy roots only.
It is relatively easy to dig 10 to 15 pounds of this root in an afternoon, depending on your location. I have found it growing along fence rows and drainage ditches, in well drained light soil making it relatively easy to harvest and dig.
This picture on the right show what a plant looks like and it's location for harvesting.
This description of this easily hervested root is what you will find in the White Paper that I am writing on the marketable roots for Wild Harvest Profits.
The report will have the addresses and instructions from the buyers of wild foraged and harvested commodities. It will list tips and tricks for effectively harvesting and selling your products. Every effort will be to provide you with the up to date market values and the ethical and legal issues on Wild Harvesting.
Read my previous posts. If you have any comments please post them here on this blog. I am open to suggestions,discussions, or problems you may be having in Wild Harvest for Profit.
Yours in
Wild Harvest Profits.
5Rivers Jim
The images and photos that were used in this post are attributed to Google Images.
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