Taranome

Aralia elata, A. foliolosa

vegetable

Large buds of a thorny shrub, fried as tempura: Japan's “king of wild vegetables”.

Origin

Japan, Korea and China

Season (United States)

April to May

Preparation

The brown scales at the base of the bud are removed and the tough end cut off; it is eaten cooked.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

In Korea they are called “dureup” and eaten blanched, with a spicy sauce.