winter kuzu
Name: Kudzu, Ge-gen, kuzu, pueraria, arrowroot
Biological Name: Pueraria lobata
Leguminosae
In japan & China it is referred to as kuzu.
Kuzu (kudzu) This pricey Japanese import is the dried starchy root of the kudzu/kuzu plant. It is used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups in the same manner as cornstarch. It has been used medicinally to treat colds fevers digestive disorders hangovers and alcoholism.
Usage depends on preferance it seems. I learned about the plant during my years as a macrobiotic cook and it was almost always referred to as kuzu in my recipes. I think the kudzu version came about to prevent people from pronouncing it as koo zoo...
The above information is for Old Gary ....... :P
