Sawano burdocks

Sawano burdocks are cultivated in Sawano-machi, Tono-machi, and Oka-machi, 10km away from the Nanao City urban area. However, the cultivation area is decreasing every year due to farmers’ aging and price stagnation. Since the burdocks are cultivated for self-consumption, they are not distributed to the market and sold at outlet shops or to private customers. Their history dates back to 1764, since the name appears in the local products survey. According to the “Kashima-gun Record”, the priest of Batan shrine got the burdock seeds from Kyoto and had the village farmers cultivate them, marking the start of burdock cultivation. The record also mentions that the burdock’s quality was very good. It is said that in the Edo period Sawano burdocks were presented to the Tokugawa shogunate and the head of the Otani Buddhist sect as an established custom. Sawano burdocks are cultivated carefully in argilliferous soil and grow long and thick: 1m in length and 3cm in diameter. Since they have a soft, crisp texture and a great taste, they are popular in Ryokans in neighboring areas and Ishikawa prefecture. The seeding is carried out in April and harvested in October, then sold around December. There are two types: Takinogawa-onaga and Yanagawa-riso. Burdocks have a low calorie content and contain dietary fiber, polyphenol and minerals that support intestinal movement and are effective in beautifying skin and anti-aging.