The following are the results of a study of the introduction and the spread of edible burdock into Japan as a food material for Japanese cooking.
The edible burdock was first used for medicinal purpose, but in the Heian Period, “nisime-gobou” and “tataki-gobou” appeared. In modern times, “nisime-gobou” becomes popular as a nationwide dish prepared for New Year's, whereas “kinpira-gobou” is popular in the northern part of Kantou, and “tataki-gobou” in the Kinki area. These dishes are thought to have originated from “nanukadaki-gobou, ” “kara-gonbo” and “denbugobou” which had been handed down throughout Japan. The edible burdock was used in folk remedies and was highly evaluated for nutritious and medicinal food.
From the facts combined with previous reserch, it is inferred that the edible burdock which formed an indispensable part of New Year's festivals in ancient times becomes an important food of the Japanese New Year's as one of “osechi ryouri (special dishes with simbolic meanings of longevity and good fortune).”
Also, the eating of the edible burdock in Japan was influenced by the eating of the foreign edible burdock which was similar to Japanese wild thistles generally eaten at that time.
