Burdock leaf was once cooked and eaten as a vegetable in Europe.
Although the leaf is a good source of antioxidants, the furry texture,
bitter flavor and high mucilage content left a lot to be desired in a
vegetable. However, since burdock could be counted on to be in plentiful
supply in fields and pastures, it was often the only “greens” available
to the peasantry or those who took up residency in public work houses.
Children have always enjoyed playing games with this herb. For example,
hurling the seed heads at passersby was a method of divining true love.
If the burr stuck to the unsuspecting victim, they were sure to find
romance with the one they admired. But it the burr fell to the ground,
their beloved would not return their affection.
