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Korea Biodiversity Information System > Plant Resource > Plant Classification > Resource Plants > Edible Resource
The main edible plant resources include grains, beans, and other starches. Among the grain resources, barley, wheat, rice, and corn belong to Poaceae, and beans belong to Fabaceae. Although the three major grains of the world are wheat, corn, and rice, sugar cane, a gramineous plant, is produced the most. Because gramineous plant grains have an indehiscent fruit called a caryopsis, they must go through a milling process before they can be used. The caryopsis has starch within an embryo that is stored inside a hull comprising a seed coat, called bran, and an ovary wall. There is a thin, single layer of cells between the starch and bran, which called an Aleurone cell layer and is mainly composed of protein and fat, and which produces an enzyme that changes the starch in grains to sugar in the germination of seeds. The grains most widely cultivated worldwide are wheat, barley, rice, and corn, and various other grains such as rye, oat, sorghum and proso millets are also used.
The oil resource produced the most from beans currently comes from soy beans, which originated in Korea and China. One characteristic of bean resources is the use of nitrogen in the air by fixing it through symbiosis with root nodule bacteria. This fixed nitrogen can be used not only as a protein resource, but also for producing secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, that protect it from herbivores that attack plants. In Leguminosae, three families with different flower shapes may be integrated by common legume features, but in a recent trend, Fabaceae in the narrow sense is used by separating Mimosoideae and Caesalpinioideae. Edible beans currently include broad beans, haricots, peas, soybeans, peanuts, lentils, carob, and chickpeas, and some beans, such as tamarind, are used as a vegetable resource, the importance of which increases due to their availability as various herbaceous resources.
Other starch resources, which are plants that have starch stored in their roots or stems and are often used as a staple or substitute food, include potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and taro. The potato is a type that has starch stored in its stem, and although it originated in the Andean highlands it is cultivated throughout the world. Although it was cultivated in Ireland, where the climate is cold and moist, due to its ability to produce sufficient food in a small area of farmland, potato late blight in 1845 caused the Great Famine there. The yam mainly used in Korea is a plant in the same genus as the Chinese yam, and its characteristics are that its male and female are different and it usually propagates by trophozoite. However, yams produced in Africa have toxicity from oxalic acid, so pretreatment is needed. Although a recent trend is to replace the cultivation of yams with cassavas, these contain a much smaller amount of protein than yams and often cause a nutritional unbalance.
Among wild plant resources in Korea, there are 552 edible plant species and a total of 525 plant species are used as edible plants, including three exotics. There are 836 different plants under this species. As representative edible plants, shepherd's purse has edible roots and leaves, and Codonopsis lanceolata and Platycodon glaucum have edible roots. Bower actinidia has edible fruit, Euonymus alatus has edible young leaves, and bracken has edible buds. The flowers of azaleas and the peduncles of Hovenia dulcis are also edible. These plants have been a part of our diet since ancient times.
Although wild edible greens only refer to those that grow naturally in mountains and fields, cultivated edible greens have recently been included due to a lack of supply from increased use in diets. Wild edible greens do not require a specific kind of soil and generally adapt to most climates, except for extremely hot weather and strong sunlight in summer. However, the heavy manure culture often used in their artificial culture can increase production, but may cause a decrease in their unique fragrances. To use their leaves, the harvest season of existing leaf vegetables should be avoided, and to use their roots, it is important to forecast the harvest time after two to three years.
Bo Tree (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb) Elaeagnaceae
Shrub, deciduous, 3-4 m tall, in the forest and field, distribution below Pyeong-nam area. Raw fruits are used. Similar species are Elaeagnus umbrellata var. parvifolia (leaf surface: hairy), Elaeagnus umbrellata var. coreana (leaf surface: with stellate trichomes). Flowers white or light yellow, bloom in May to June; fruits covered with hairs, ripen in September to October.
Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Moraceae
Shrub or tree, deciduous, monoecious, about 3 m tall, in forest and field, distributes throughout the nation, and cultivated as well. A similar species is drooped mulberry (branches are drooped). Flowering in June. Fruits drupe, black, ripen in August, edible
Wildberry (Rubus crataegifolius Bunge) Rosaceae
Shrub, deciduous, 1-2 m tall, in forest and field, distributes throughout the nation. Fruits are eaten raw or used for wine. Similar species are Rubus hirsutus (Geojaedo, Wando, and Jejudo), long leaf wildberry (Gyeongnam Geoje indigenous), island wildberry (Ulleungdo, endemic). Flowers bloom in June. Fruits yellowish red, ripen in July to August.
King wild vine (Vitis amurensis Rupr.) Vitaceae
Vine, deciduous, monoecious, in forest of foothills and valleys, distributes throughout the nation. Similar species are island wild grape (Ulleungdo), wild vine (Ulleungdo), wild grape (all provinces except for Chungcheong, Hamnam). Flowers dark green, bloom in May. Berries blackish purple, ripen in September to October, eaten raw or used for wine.
Fruit of Actinidia arguta (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. var. arguta) Actinidiaceae
AVine, deciduous, monoecious, in forest and valley. Similar species are Jwuidarae (above Kangwon area), silver vine (blooms in June). Flowers white, bloom in May; female flowers many, male flower one. Fruits yellowish green, ripen in October, eaten raw.
(Bunge) Pak & Kawano (Crepidiastrum sonchifolium (Bunge) Pak & Kawano) Compositae
Young sprouts in the spring contain protein, carbohydrate, mineral and fat but have less fiber, so it can be used as geotjeori (a kind of quick-salted Kimchi) or vegetables mixed with vinegar after slight blanching and soaking, or stir-fried.
Brake (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex Hell.) Aspleniaceae
It grows well even in poor environments but never in the severely polluted soil. Young leaves are boiled and dried to be used later as foods, and starch can be collected from its roots.
Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsum (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsum. ) Cruciferae
Its roots are ground and used as a spice in Japanese cuisine. It is well known as ‘wasabi’ the same plant grown in Japan. The hot flavor of ground roots is similar to that of mustard but different from that of capsaicin in peppers, because its vapor stimulates the nasal passage rather than tongue.
Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) Compositae
Chrysanthemum is widely used as a food, ornament, and medicine. Particularly gukhwaju (chrysanthemum wine), in which the flower is brewed in liquor, is favored for its soft fragrance and flavor. It grows well anywhere with good soil, and is propagated mainly by cutting or division.
Nar-rowhead Goldenray (Ligularia stenocephala (Maxim.) Matsum. & Koidz.) Compositae
It grows in moist soil of mountainous areas. It is grown mixed with Ligularia fischeri with 15:1 ratio under the deciduous trees or on the grass. It has very delicious taste regardless of the type of cooking and can be eaten raw as a ssam (wrapped in leaves), or frying or as muknamul (dry greens stored for the next spring).
Dicentra spectabilis (L.) Lem (Dicentra spectabilis (L.) Lem.) Fumariaceae
It grows in moist soil in shady areas or near the valley of mountainous areas. It grows best in semi-shaded areas and should be shaded in the midsummer of August. It should be collected before the plant body is hardened, and then boiled and dried for later use as muknamul.
Shepherdspurse (Lychnis cognata Maxim.) Caryophyllaceae
The ideal growing environment for shepherd’s purse is loam or sandy loam with good drainage and sunlight. Its name varies depending on the local regions it grows, proving that it has been widely used. As a healthy food, a hot soup of shepherd’s purse can reduce fever from common cold or flu, and it can also promote digestion and absorption.
Lance Asiabell (Codonopsis lanceolata (Siebold & Zucc.) Trautv.) Campanulaceae
It can be cultivated in all areas yet prefers cool weather, and it grows poorly in well ventilated and sunny places. Its root is edible and Deodeok Wine has been enjoyed for its effects as tonic or intestinal health. The root is called Shan Hai Luo and used as medicine.
Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A.DC (Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A.DC.) Campanulaceae
Its dried root is called gilgyeong and has been used as medicinal herb or wild vegetables. It is known as effective in the treatment of cough, phlegm, fever, and drainage of a wound, and recently its need has been continuously increased because of its anti-cancer effect and dietary fiber content.
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Compositae
It was first cultivated for edible use but now grown in the wild near the village or cultivated for feed. Jerusalem artichoke is a good plant for dye, which can be collected when flowering. Dark colors can be obtained by repeated dyeing. Also, it has a good reaction to mordant.
Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (Sedum sarmentosum Bunge) Crassulaceae
Also called ‘Donnamul’, it is a unique foodstuff with a long history as edible plant since it was listed as ‘seokgyeong’ in the Sanyachaepumbu (Section of Wild Vegetables) in Sallim Gyeongje (Forest and Economics) written by Park Se-dang during the reign of King Sukjong but still a wild plant that is not cultivated. It can be used to make Kimchi in the early spring and its tender sprouts can be eaten as vegetables.
Aging Onion (Allium senescens L. var. senescens) Liliaceae
The whole plant can be eaten raw and the underground bulb of the early spring is edible and very tasty. Mass cultivation as economic crops will be possible in the future because of its excellent flavor and taste. The number of its natural habitat is a few, but it has been planted nationwide after being propagated at Hantaek Botanical Garden.
Cirsium nipponicum (Maxim.) Makino (Cirsium nipponicum (Maxim.) Makino) Compositae
It grows in the mid-slope of Seonginbong Peak in Ulleungdo Island and is also cultivated as vegetables in many fields of Ulleungdo Island. Its young leaves are particularly called ‘Bujiggaenggi Namul’ in Ulleungdo Island and used in soup. The distribution of this plant is limited and its population is not many.
Nasturtium officinale R.Br. (Nasturtium officinale R.Br.) Cruciferae
Watercress is native from Europe and northern Asia and grows in clean water. Young plant can be eaten raw and the upper stem is used in salads, and sometimes used as a garnish in meat dishes. It has a tangy flavor as mustard.
Solidago virgaurea subsp. asiatica Kitam. ex Hara var. asiatica (Solidago virgaurea subsp. asiatica Kitam. ex Hara var. asiatica) Compositae
The young sprouts of goldenrod are used as vegetables. Ulleung Miyeokchwi (goldenrod) is distributed in the mountain slope of Ulleungdo Island, which is larger than common goldenrod, and recently cultivated as wild vegetables. In areas near the top of Hallasan Mountain, dwarf-type goldenrod grows, which has round heads and grows low when cultivated.
Dandleion (Taraxacum platycarpum Dahlst.) Compositae
It is a perennial plant in the family Asteraceae and its young leaves are used as vegetables. It is usually grown in the sun and well adjusted in most environments due to its strong viability, but the optimal environment is a well-drained, sunny, and fertile place.
Wrinkled Giant Hyssop (Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & Mey.) Kuntze) Labiatae
It is a plant in the family Lamiaceae and can be planted in the sunny place around the garden as ground cover plants or used for cut flower. In particular, the whole plant has strong scent and thus can be dried and used as tea. The raw leaf is used in eliminating the smell of fish or meat during the cooking.
Platycodon grandiflorum for. albiflorum (Honda) H.Hara (Platycodon grandiflorum for. albiflorum (Honda) H.Hara) Campanulaceae
It is a perennial plant in the family Campanulaceae and commonly grown in the fields and mountains. Its root is edible and also used in eliminating phlegm. The capsule is obovoid and has calyx lobe (or sepal) and septicidal dehiscence.
Korean Raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.) Rosaceae
It grows in the sunny slope of the mountain. With strong cold resistance, sunlight resistance, and pollution resistance, and good propagation in the sun than in the shade, it is a mesophyte growing well in both dry land and wet land. It is good for protective fence or hedge, and its fruits are eaten raw.
Japanese Atracty-lodes (Atractylodes ovata (Thunb.) DC.) Compositae
It grows in the fields and mountains. It is commonly found in rather cool, half-shaded areas under the trees. Its young sprouts are eaten as vegetables. Fumigation with the smoke of burning its tuber can eliminate molds in the closet or rice storage during the summer.
Ixeridium dentatum (Thunb. ex Mori) Tzvelev (Ixeridium dentatum (Thunb. ex Mori) Tzvelev) Compositae
It is a perennial plant in the family Asteraceae, and the phyllor hiza is oblanceolate-oblong or oblanceolate with pointy tips and the bottom is narrowed down which led to the petiole (leaf stalk). There is dentate serration below the middle part or slightly incised. Young leaves and roots are edible.
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Nymphaeaceae
The leaf grows from the rhizome and the petiole is long and high above the water. It is round peltate and whitish green with its veins radiate in all directions, 40Н in diameter, and not easily wet. The petiole is cylindrical and sparsely covered with short and sharp thorns. It is usually cultivated for ornamental or edible purpose.
Carstor Aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb. ex Murray) Koidz.) Araliaceae
Its young and soft leaves are collected in the early April, cleanly washed, and eaten as raw vegetables or fried vegetables. The new bud in the early spring is called ‘gaedureup’, which is collected before hardened and boiled for eating.
Asiatic Plantain (Plantago asiatica L.) Plantaginaceae
The plantain commonly grows in the roadside or empty lots and its soft leaves are used as vegetables. When cultivated for vegetables, it sprouts again after cutting in April-May and thus can be harvested 3 times a year. If the seed is to be collected, it is better to harvest in the autumn after it is completely ripen.
Artemisia japonica Thunb (Artemisia japonica Thunb.) Compositae
Young sprouts of Artemisia japonica commonly grown in the mountains are used as vegetables. The leaf is alternate and coneate or obovate, 3.5-8Н in length and 0.8-3Н in width, sparsely sericeous on both sides, and both edges are flat with top parts incised and bottom parts gradually narrowed down to be attached directly to the main stem.
