Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the recognition and uses of Astragalus membranaceus. The survey methodology employed was a questionnaire, which interviewed 272(37.8%) males and 448(62.2%) females from the Seoul and Kyunggido area. The main results are as follows: 40-50 years old like and eat Astragalus membranaceus more frequently than 10-30 years old. The most popular reason provided for the preference of Astragalus membranaceus was good health benefits. People indicating a dislike for Astragalus membranaceus had generally fewer previous experiences of eating this plant. The main purchasing place appears to be traditional markets and supermarkets. Astragalus membranaceus was acknowledged as having the following characteristics ‘excellent nutrition’(3.82), ‘natural food’(3.76), ‘possessing anti-cancer and anti-oxidization characteristics’(3.70) and ‘good for liver function, a depressant and good coelenteron effects’(3.62). However, it was not associated with a ‘cheap price’(3.02) and was regarded as ‘difficult for buy’(3.10). Recognition and eating experience was low for Astragalus membranaceus kimchi and rice bread, bread, sauce and Astragalus membranaceus added health drinks. However opinion of its taste was regarded highly.
