Gobo (burdock root)

Gobo (burdock) is a thin, brown root with a distinct, earthy flavour. It is used in medicine in China, but in Japan it is treated as a vegetable, and is generally cut into thin strips or shavings and soaked in vinegar to remove bitterness before cooking. It is an excellent source of dietary fibre and nutrients, and therefore aids digestion and detoxification.