#Food Innovation #Kenko Mayonnaise #Burdock Salad

Celebrating 40 Years of Burdock Salad

Konka Mayonnaise Co., Ltd., located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has launched a special website to commemorate the upcoming 40th anniversary of their burdock salad, which first hit the market in 1986. This innovative product was the first of its kind in Japan, transforming the traditional use of burdock in Japanese cuisine into a long-life salad specifically designed for use in restaurants, prepared foods, and school lunches.

The newly launched website offers enthusiasts and customers insights into the journey of the burdock salad, including the challenges faced during its development, the creativity behind its conception, and a showcase of the diverse range of products available. The site also features recommendations from the sales and menu planning teams, highlighting their top burdock salad picks.

Since its introduction, the burdock salad has gradually gained popularity and established its presence in the food service and prepared food sectors. Over the years, the company has continuously improved the product, focusing on taste and versatility, which has helped it become one of their flagship product categories widely used across various menus.

The Origin Story of Burdock Salad

The idea for burdock salad arose from the intention to pair the earthy flavor of burdock with a traditional Japanese dressing that emphasizes umami. Unlike conventional salad dressings that merely coat vegetables, the concept here was to mix and enhance the salad's texture and flavor profile. The initial reception was encouraging, with accolades received during its debut at exhibitions and within the school lunch framework, leading to wider acceptance rooted in a growing interest in dietary fiber.

One of the critical revelations during the product development process was that allowing the salad to rest overnight enhanced its taste, an insight that significantly influenced its final formulation. The hurdles faced in sourcing quality ingredients and ensuring consistent production quality underscore the commitment behind this innovative product. The meticulous approach concerning the size of burdock cuts aimed to optimize both texture and flavor, ensuring a safe and pleasant culinary experience.

Product Lineup of Burdock Salad

1. FDF Plus® Burdock Salad (1kg)
This version combines shredded burdock with carrots, offering a mild taste enhanced with toasted sesame flavor. It maintains an appealing texture longer, ensuring quality presentation after serving, with a shelf life of 90 days post-manufacturing.

2. FDF Plus® Gold Sesame Burdock Salad (1kg)
A favorite among the product development team! This salad features thinly sliced burdock and carrots, with a refined taste that emphasizes the rich flavor of golden sesame. It also offers a 90-day shelf life, maintaining its deliciousness.

3. Heat- and Freeze-Resistant Burdock Salad (1kg)
Ideal for various processed foods due to its durability against freezing and heating. It features short, thin strips of domestic burdock and carrots, blending great taste with ease of preparation.

4. Crispy Tm Burdock Salad (1kg)
This salad showcases thinly sliced burdock and carrots, providing a satisfying crunch. Utilizing the skin-on burdock maximizes flavor, and the colorful addition of corn creates an appetizing appearance perfectly suited for lunchboxes.

5. Burdock and Nut Salad (1kg)
Recommended by the menu development team, this salad combines finely cut burdock and carrots with a crunchy texture. Tossed in a dressing featuring the rich flavors of roasted sesame and crushed almonds, it offers a delightful experience.

6. Smile Food Burdock Salad (1kg)
Made with thinly sliced burdock and carrots, this salad boasts a robust sesame flavor yet remains light on salt. Its slightly softer texture allows enjoyment across all age groups.

7. Burdock Base for Salads (1kg)
This product intensifies the burdock flavor with skin-on thinly shredded burdock, lightly seasoned to complement any dressing without extensive prep work, making it versatile for numerous recipes.

8. Premium Gold Sesame Burdock Salad (70g)
Combining crunchy burdock with