Clearspring Organic Kuzu (also known as Kudzu) is a superior quality starch thickener with a smooth texture and neutral flavour that is naturally extracted from the roots of one of Japan’s most vigorous mountain plants.
Clearspring's kuzu producer has been making kuzu for five generations, and follows a 45-day process of washing, settling, filtering and drying the pure organic kuzu root starch that it supplies to Clearspring. Located in southern Kyushu, where the volcanic soils produce exceptionally vigorous kuzu plants, they are one of the few remaining producers of pure kuzu starch in Japan.
Kuzu has been a valued ingredient in Japanese cuisine and confectionery for more than two thousand years. Its high content of complex starch molecules makes it a powerful thickening agent. While standard thickeners like cornflour can do much the same job, they tend to be highly processed and treated with chemical bleaches and extracting agents, whereas Clearspring pure organic kuzu is a completely natural gluten free starch.
Ingredients
Organically wild harvested kuzu root (Pueraria lobata), water
Nutritional Information
Energy kJ:
1454
Energy kCal:
342
Fat:
0.2
of which saturates:
0
Carbohydrate:
84.7
of which sugars:
0
Fibre:
0.3
Protein:
0.3
Salt:
0.05
Further Information
Clearspring is a family business and since 1993 we have been committed to pioneering authentic Japanese specialities and organic fine foods. We are proud to bring you our award-winning ranges that are enjoyed and appreciated throughout the world.
Our core belief is that everyone should have easy access to quality organic food to eat well. Our products make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture by supporting organic farmers, artisan food producers and a plant-based diet. Through enriching the soil and caring for the eco-system, we are protecting the world that we pass on to our children.
From the humble beginnings of Japanese miso soup, to over 300 organic products today, our premium quality ranges continue to grow. We are continuously inspired to bring diversity, innovation and the art of wellness through food to our offering. All our products have a distinctive flavour, made with authentic timeless recipes and by traditional methods. We never use any artificial additives or add refined sugars. Our passion is to show you just how delicious and abundant an organic and plant-based diet can be, not only how it tastes, but also how it keeps us healthy and thriving.
We believe in the intrinsic value of our core ingredients and promise to always maintain the integrity of our mission: to provide globally sourced, high quality organic foods made to local, traditional recipes for everybody’s enjoyment and health, now and in the future.
We are committed to protecting the eco-system and the world we live in. By promoting traditional foods made with wholesome ingredients and a plant-based diet, we are supporting organic and regenerative agriculture as well as sustainable living that is in harmony with nature.
We love what we do and invite you to discover the great taste of Clearspring. Please join us on our journey and be part of paving the way to better health for people and planet.
Podcast
Click here to play the interview with Chris and Maria Dawson of Clearspring Japanese Foods. Chris founded Clearspring in 1993, and was the pioneer of introducing organic Japanese products to the European market. Listen to the interview to learn more about the ethos behind the company, some of their signature products, and why having strong relationships with the farmers who grow and produce the foods is so key.
How To Use
Ideal thickener for soups and stews, sweet and savoury sauces, glazes and pie fillings, it is easy to use.
Crush the chunks
Dissolve in a small amount of cold water
Add the mix to to your cooking liquid
Heat, stirring continuously until thick and translucent.
A half to one tablespoon of kuzu will thicken one cup of liquid. Please note: 1 ¾ tbsp. of Kuzu can replace 1 tbsp of corn flour.
