Bamboo Shoots: How To Use These Delicious Crunchy Sprouts
Bamboo shoots or bamboo sprouts are the edible shoots (new bamboo culms that come out of the ground) of many bamboo species, including Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis.
They are used in numerous Asian dishes and broths. They are sold in various processed shapes and are available in fresh, dried, and canned versions.
In the Philippines, they are called labong.
Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for freeIn this post we'll cover:
Are bamboo shoots good for you?
The answer is a resounding yes! Bamboo shoots are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health in a number of ways.
For instance, bamboo shoots are a good source of fiber, which is important for keeping your digestive system healthy. They’re also rich in copper, which helps to maintain healthy bones and blood vessels. And last but not least, bamboo shoots are a good source of vitamins B6 and E, which are important for maintaining your immune system and keeping your skin looking healthy.
Can humans eat bamboo shoots?
Yes, humans can eat bamboo shoots. It’s the only part of bamboo that we can eat. You need to remove all of the bark before you can eat them and make sure you cook them all the way through as the cyanide in raw bamboo isn’t good for you.
Are bamboo shoots hard to digest?
No, bamboo shoots are not hard to digest. In fact, they’re a good source of fiber, which can help to keep your digestive system healthy. However, if you have any concerns about digesting them, make sure you cook them all the way through as raw bamboo shoots can contain cyanide.
Is bamboo shoot good for weight loss?
Yes, bamboo shoot is good for weight loss. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full longer.
What do bamboo shoots taste like?
Bamboo shoots are sweet but earthy and keep crunchy when you cook them. This makes them perfect for soups and stews where other ingredients turn mushy and soft, to still keep a crunchy texture in your dish.
Process to make bamboo shoots edible
Keep in mind that bamboo shoots require quite a bit of processing to make them edible. First, you’ll need to peel off their tough outer layer. Next, you’ll need to cook them – this can be done by boiling, steaming, or stir-frying.
How long do you boil bamboo shoots?
You’ll need to boil bamboo shoots for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer or wooden toothpick meets no resistance as it passes through the core.
How do you know when bamboo shoots are done?
Once bamboo shoots have been cooked for the appropriate amount of time, they should be tender all the way through.
Are canned bamboo shoots cooked?
Yes, canned bamboo shoots are cooked. You can add them straight to stir-fries at the last moment just to heat them up. They should retain their crunchiness.
Do bamboo shoots expire?
Fresh bamboo shoots can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the taste may become bitter if you keep them for too long. Cooked bamboo shoots can be kept in the fridge for up to a week when kept in a closed container with water.
Conclusion
Next time you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add some variety to your diet, be sure to give bamboo shoots a try!
Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
