Cate Farm considers burdock one of our specialties- we have been cultivating it since 1985!

There are two species of burdock- wild burdock, Arctium minus, and Japanese or Giant burdock Arctium lappa. We cultivate only the Japanese variety Arctium lappa for its roots (fresh and dried) and for its seed. Wild crafted burdock is most likely Arctium minus.

Most people know burdock from the velcro-like burrs that attach to one's clothing or canines. Burdock is a biennial: seeded in spring, the plant produces a long taproot and large foliage, but no seed. In the second year, the taproot's energy is used to produce a seed stalk and 'burrs'. While burdock seed is harvested in the fall of the second year, the root is harvested in the fall of the first year, or overwintered and dug early the next spring.

We plant burdock in fertile soils amended with compost and rock minerals. The long roots are harvested by hand after loosening the soil with a tractor pulled blade. It is hard work, but satisfying- especially when you pull out a two and a half foot root! The roots are thoroughly washed in a tumbler washer before packing fresh or cutting up for drying.

When drying burdock, the washed and chopped roots are placed on racks in our warm (90°F) high air flow dryer. The dryer utilizes a hot air furnace heat exchanger so we can accurately control the temperature and exhaust all the combustion gases through the chimney, not through the herbs. This system costs more but produces an excellent finished product.

Burdock has long been used in oriental and macrobiotic cuisine. Medicinally, it can be used as a blood purifier and for skin disorders, among other uses. Burdock root is a main component in the Essiac formula.

Try slicing fresh roots for use in soups, stirfrys, and tea. Burdock is also great roasted or steamed. Try juicing it with carrots and beets. Burdock also makes a potent tincture.

CATE FARM ORDERING INFORMATION:
First off, we are much more an organic farm than a mail order company. That said, we try to keep it simple. We do not accept credit cards, so it is a 2 step process to order. The best method of contact for us is by email, since we are usually busy around the farm.

1. We need to know how many pounds of each product you want ($30 minimum for total order) and your zip code, so we can get back to you with shipping charges and a grand total.
   
   
2. You can then place your order by sending payment (check or money order) to:

Cate Farm
135 Cate Farm Road
Plainfield, VT 05667

Note to people ordering our organic burdock: We are always interested in learning of the different ways our customers use fresh or dried burdock root. We welcome any feedback. Thanks!