Bamboo Shoots

APPEARANCE: Every bamboo produces shoots, but only 10 to 15 of the hundred or so species produce shoots that reach markets. These fall into three broad categories:

Spring bamboo shoots or mo sun, as illustrated below, measure an impressive 3 to 5 inches in diameter at the base and 10 inches or so in length; the outer leaves are fuzzy, hence the Chinese name, which translates as “hair shoots”.

Winter bamboo shoots or doeng sun, are about half the size but identical in shape to spring shoots; these are dug up while the shoot is still dormant or just beginning to grow.