Organic Burdock
| 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. | |
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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 |
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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. |
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Burdock has long been used in Asian 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. |
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Dried Burdock is $10.00/ lb plus shipping and handling |
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| Fresh Burdock is available October-December and is $5.00/ lb plus S&H | |
| For ordering information CLICK HERE! | |
Organic Echinacea
| Cate Farm grows echinacea purpurea,
commonly known as purple coneflower. Its beautiful
downward drooping rose to purple petals surround a
large spiny center, making it a popular garden
perennial since the 1700's. |
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Echinacea purpurea is used for support and stimulation of the immune system. We cultivate echinacea purpurea for 3 years before harvesting the roots. Harvest occurs in early spring and late fall. After digging, we quarter the roots and then double wash them to remove all the soil from the interior section of the root. Roots are then sold fresh, or dried in our herb dryer. | ||||||
Dried Echinacea is $25.00/ lb plus shipping and handling |
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Fresh Echinacea is availible in early May and October, with prices listed below:
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| For ordering information CLICK HERE! | |||||||