Bamboo Shoots

Also known asTakenoko · Rebung · 竹笋

Name: Bamboo shoots — the young, tender, edible shoots of bamboo plants, harvested as they emerge from the ground, with a mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavour and a crisp, crunchy texture. They are sold fresh, canned and fermented. A separate Root Vegetables page also covers them.

Description

Bamboo shoots have been eaten for thousands of years in China, Japan, Thailand and across Asia, and are a staple of many cuisines, appearing in stir-fries, soups, curries and dumplings. Many species of bamboo produce edible shoots, and the most prized in Japan is the moso bamboo, harvested in spring as takenoko.

Fresh bamboo shoots are bitter and contain a natural toxin, taxiphyllin, which releases cyanide, so they must be boiled before eating. Canned shoots are already cooked, and are a convenient and safe option.

Main nutrition value

Bamboo shoots are very low in calories and provide fibre, potassium, manganese and copper, with a high water content.

How best to be consumed

Bamboo shoots must be boiled before eating if fresh.

1. Peel off the tough outer layers, slice, and boil in water for 20 to 30 minutes, discarding the water, before using fresh shoots.
2. Add to stir-fries, soups, curries, hot pots and dumpling fillings.
3. Use canned shoots after rinsing and boiling briefly to remove the tinny taste.
4. Cook with rice in the Japanese takenoko gohan in spring.
5. Store opened canned shoots in fresh water in the fridge.

Overconsumption could cause…

Bamboo shoots are safe when properly prepared.

1. Cyanide poisoning from raw or undercooked fresh shoots, which contain natural cyanogenic compounds, so they must be boiled thoroughly.
2. Possible effects on thyroid function from goitrogens in people with thyroid problems, in large amounts.
3. Digestive upset from large amounts of the fibre.
4. Sodium and preservatives in some canned products.

GroupsRoot VegetablesStem and Shoot VegetablesGrass family (Poaceae)Low fatLow sodium

Related foodsKohlrabiFennelAsparagusBean SproutsMung Bean SproutsAlfalfa Sprouts

Wikipedia — Bamboo shoot, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_shoot