Description

Bamboo shoot generally comes in the grass league and is fairly grown in different zones. Along with its geographical variability, it supposedly is a great source of fibre and is used for medicinal purposes as well. These bamboo shoots are edible in nature and are very much in use in Asian cuisine. Now, these bamboo shoots emerge at a pre-mature age and are cut off as pointed shoots that are bundled up in a number of overlapping sheaths. These sheaths cover inner meat that happens to be very tender and mildly sweet thereby, it is prepared in the same fashion as that of the bamboo shoots.  While these shoots are harvested once it grows above the surface of the ground, mostly young, tender and crisp. Bamboo shoots are said to have a long drawn history in China and Southeast Asia, where it had been accounted to be used in broths and other medicinal purposes. No wonder in Japan it is called the ‘King of forest vegetable’

Health benefits

• Bamboo shoots protect the heart, as the phytosterol and phytonutrients found in bamboo are ideal for dissolving harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body. Hence, this reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and leads to smooth supply and movement of blood throughout the body.⁽¹⁾
• According to research, bamboo shoots have essential anti-inflammatory properties and painkilling properties, thus it helps in healing ulcer.⁽¹⁾
• It maintains a healthy bowel system, as it is high on dietary fibre it makes the digestion easy and relieves from the issue of constipation.⁽¹⁾
• Bamboo shoots are traditionally used for healing wound and sores.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

The best season to buy bamboo shoots is springs as they are tougher and larger than the winter ones. Always go for the ones that are bright and have undamaged leaves.