Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are the young edible shoots of certain kinds of bamboo belonging to the grass family. There are as many different types of bamboo shoots as there are kinds of bamboo — and at least ten of the possible hundred or so are marketed. They generally fall into two broad categories: spring shoots and winter shoots, the winter being smaller and more tender than the spring ones, which tend to be quite large.

Fresh bamboo shoots are prepared by first stripping off all their leaves and then trimming the hard base. Only the centre core is edible. It is cut and blanched for at least five minutes to remove its bitterness. Then the shoots are ready to be stir-fried or cooked.