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Fresh bellflower roots (doraji) pile

Balloon Flower Roots

Korean Name: 도라지

Romanization: Doraji

Scientific Classification: Platycodon grandiflorus

Also Known As: Chinese bellflower, bellflower root, platycodon

Flavor Profile/Texture:

Bitter Earthy Smells similar to ginseng Fibrous

Goes well with:

sesame oil, garlic

What is Doraji (Balloon Flower Root) ?

Dried Ballonflower or Bellflower Root comes from the Bellflower plant, which grows wild in the mountains of Korea. The plant as well as the root are known as Doraji 도라지 in Korea.

The roots are used fresh as well as dried, and is commonly prepared as a namul side dish or as a topping to bibimbap. They are also used medicinally. Although doraji is the name of a plant(bellflower), in Korea, doraji means the roots of the bellflower. Bellflower roots, fresh or dried, makes for a delicious, crunchy namul.

Not To Be Confused With

Deodeok 더덕 (Bonnet Bellflower Root, Lance Asiabell), Ginseng 인삼

4 collage pics of Splitting doraji into smaller pieces and then sauteing with oil, garlic and salt

Where and What To Buy

Korean or Asian grocery store, online, occasionally available on Amazon. Buy dried white roots but not too white as it's naturally ivory colored. If it's too white, it may mean it was chemically washed.

 

How to Use/Cook

  • Make Doraji Namul 도라지 나물 by soaking them and then sauteeing with some sesame oil, garlic and salt.
  • Make a fresh Doraji muchim 도라지 무침 with some cucumbers and gochujang sauce.
  • Make Doraji Cheong (syrup) 도라지청 with it and drink as Doraji Cha (tea) 도라지차- to help with respiratory health
  • Make Doraji Sul (liquor) 도라지 술 by infusing soju with the root

How to Clean/Store

Store in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sun exposure. Can be kept in the freezer dried or after blanching. Dried bellflower root must be soaked for at least 2-3 hours to reconstitute, and to help remove some of the bitter flavors.

How To Grow

doraji bellflower plant growing in garden
Bellflower Doraji Plant

Grow Doraji (platycodon or balloon flower plant) from seeds. Roots can be harvested on 2-3 year old plant so be patient!

balloonflower doraji seed packet

You can buy Doraji (balloon flower) seeds from HERE.

Nutrition/Health Info

Bellflower root is often used in herbal medicine as a remedy for inflammation, allergies, and to help improve cholesterol levels. In Korea specifically, it is used to treat bronchitis and asthma, as well as other inflammatory diseases. It is effective in reducing cholesterol, treating blood related diseases, and lowering blood pressure altogether.

Recipes that use it:

sauteed bellflower roots doraji namul on black plate

Doraji Namul (Sauteed Bellflower Roots)

rice meat and vegetables mixed with sauce in a white bowl

Bibimbap – Korean Mixed Rice with Meat and Vegetables

Korean Ingredient Glossary!

Learn about over 100 popular Korean ingredients in our new ingredient glossary!

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