“Can bamboo shoots really be eaten?” my 7
year old child asks, “Yes” I tentantively
reply, but my knowledge is poor, so I
research. Bamboo shoots can be eaten from
certain bamboos, I learn that Bamboo shoots
must be peeled and cooked before using. It is
important to note that bamboo shoots must not
be eaten raw. The first stage after peelins is
to trim the roots, peel the outer leaves
(sheath leaves), and remove any tough flesh –
the young tender leaves can be left attached.
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The shoots should be cut across the grain
into one-eighth inch slices.
The bamboo shoots should then be cooked in
boiling water in an uncovered pan for 20
minutes, it is important to leave the pan
uncovered as this allows the compounds within
the bamboo shoots, that cause the bitter taste
to dissipate into the air.
If there is any bitter taste to the shoots
after cooking, boil them in fresh water for 5
more minutes. Bamboo shoots can also be
microwaved, in an uncovered shallow pan of
water for four minutes. Shoots will still be
crisp and crunchy after cooking. If you have
any bamboo receipes that you would like to
share with us visit our forum at
www.bamboofun.com/forum
In China and Japan, Phyllostachys
heterocycla (also known as Phyllostachys
pubescens or P. edulis) is the most popular
source of bamboo shoots, but some species
require careful preparation as they release
lethal quantities of cyanide when cut.
Therefore it is important to make sure you
have a full understanding of the procedures
involved in cooking and preparing your shoots,
this article is just an overview of the
cooking procedures.
Bamboo shoots have been eaten for many
centuries and are great as a healthy
substitute to potatoes and other starchy foods
and are ideal for weight watchers. An analysis
of bamboo shows that it is a great source of
vitamins and minerals as well as essential
minerals like phosphorus, calcium that is need
for healthy bones and teeth, iron, thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin and vitamin c. The low
calorific value of bamboo (which is approx 43
calories per 100g) is great for people wanting
to use it as part of their weight watching
regime.
The bamboo shoots also contain enzymes like
nuclease, deamidase, proteolytic enzymes,
amylase, amigdalin splitting and silicon
splitting enzymes, which are useful in the
digestion of proteins within the body.
There are may other uses for bamboo, the
leaves are useful in the treatment of stomach
upsets, in many parts of india, the leaves of
the bamboo are used in the form of decoction
to treat diarrohea, they are also useful in
encouraging the efficiency of the stomach in
the digestion of food.
Other uses include the treatment of
respiratory diseases, menstrual disorders,
intestinal worms, wounds and ulcers.
