Bamboo Shoots Tossed with Aromatic Sansho Leaves

Takenoko, bamboo shoots, signal the arrival of early spring, and at the same time the sansho pepper tree bears its first young, tiny leaves, which are known as kinome. Young sansho leaf has a very distinctive, refreshing aroma and flavor. As far as I know, there is no other herb that can rival its fragrance.

As basil is used to make pesto, kinome is used to produce a bright green, aromatic sauce that is served with tender simmered bamboo shoots. Un