Gomchwi

Ligularia fischeri

leaf

Large leaves with a woody, slightly bitter scent, blanched as namul or dried for winter, and as ssam to wrap rice.

Origin

Korea, China and Japan

Season (United States)

April to June

Preparation

Only bought: in Korea, foragers have mistaken it for marsh marigold, which is toxic.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its Korean name means “bear's herb”: bears are said to eat it on coming out of winter.