Kuzu,Pueraria lobata subsp. lobata

Known as a harmful plant in many parts of the world, it is known as a healthy food in Japan.

In Japan, the root is used to make the food ingredient kuzuko (kuzu powder) and Chinese herbal medicine, and has been one of the “seven autumnal plants” since the Nara period (710-794).

A very tasty ingredient called “kuzukiri” is a Kyoto specialty, eaten with molasses.