Savage in the Wild: Episode 5 – Kudzu with Nancy Basket

Sunny Savage has the great privilege of meeting up with Nancy Basket, of Kudzu Kabin Designs in Walhalla, South Carolina. Nancy holds strong to her Cherokee roots and shares not only general information about kudzus edibility and usefulness, but also weaves kudzus story into a Cherokee legend that teaches about right living in the world. Nancy’s website is www.nancybasket.com Sunny has been getting to know kudzu (Pueraria lobata) down in the south. The leaves and root starch powder have made their way into a variety of her dishes: fermented kudzu leaves for kudzu dolmas, kudzu alfredo, kudzu omelets, kudzu tempura chips, kudzu cider and more! One use that has really caught her attention, as well as many in the medical field, is kudzus use in the treatment of alcoholism as well as to decrease alcohol consumption for the person who occasionally partaketh. There are many references to its benefits and a Harvard Medical School study that got the buzz going. Kudzu Tempura 1 cup flour of your choice 1 Tbsp kudzu powder (called kuzu powder in stores) dash salt 1 cup cold water Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Then add water and stir completely to get all lumps out. This will give you a beautiful tempura batter than can be used to fry kudzu leaves themselves, elderflowers, dandelion flowers, etc. Sunny’s wild food television series Hot on the Trail with Sunny Savage airs on Veria Network (DISH channel 218 and Verizon FIOS channel 162). See veria.com for show times and more …