Kudzu Vine (Pueraria montana)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pueraria montana or Kudzu Vine is a fast-growing perennial vine with extensive root system consisting of a tuberous root stock. It grows about 2 m long and 45cm in diameter. The flowers are reddish-purple and fragrant. The fruits are hairy, long, and flat pods containing three seeds. The leaves are comprised of three oval or triangular leaflets each.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch. — The root can be up to 1.8 metres long and has been known to weigh 35 kilos or more.; The root contains about 10% of a fine quality starch - this can be extracted and used as a crispy coating in deep fried foods, or as a thickening agent in soups etc.; It can also be made into noodles, or like agar or gelatine is used as a gelling agent for salads.; The roots are a staple food in Japan, the peeled root contains about 2.1% protein, 0.1% fat, 27.1% carbohydrate, 1.4% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets and thin woods all over Japan. (Zone 10)