BAMBOO SHOOT

How many of us knows about Bamboo Shoot. What are Bamboo Shoots?
Bamboo is a member of the grass family. Bamboo shoots are young, new canes that are harvested for food before they are two weeks old or one-foot tall. Bamboo shoots are crisp and tender, comparable to asparagus, with a flavor similar to corn. They are used frequently in Asian cuisine. Commercially canned bamboo shoots are common, but fresh, locally grown bamboo has far better flavor and texture.This article I would like to share information about bamboo shoot industry especially in Malaysia. There are many types of bambbo species in Malaysia for bamboo shoot production.  

How is to Store Bamboo Shoot?
Fresh bamboo shoots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. A bitter taste develops if kept longer than this, or if the shoots are exposed to sunlight. Store whole, unpeeled bamboo shoots in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Fresh shoots can also be cooked then frozen. Fermented bamboo shoot are available in Wet Market and Ninght market in many places in Malaysia especially in Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Kedah. The pickled bamboo shoot are sold and categorised as traditional vegatable. Eventhough it smell bad but many locals loves to use as exotic vegetable.

Using Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots need to be peeled and cooked before using. Do not eat bamboo shoots raw as they are bitter tasting and can be hard to digest. Trim the roots, peel the outer leaves (sheath leaves), and remove any tough flesh of the shoots before cooking. Tender leaves can be left attached and eaten. The shoots should be cut across the grain into one-eighth inch slices. If very tender, the shoot can be cut into any pattern.

How to cook Bamboo Shoot?

Cook bamboo shoots in boiling water in an uncovered pan for 20 minutes. Leaving the pan uncovered allows the compounds that cause bitterness to dissipate into the air. If there is any bitter taste to the shoots after cooking, boil them in fresh water for 5 more minutes. Bamboo shoots can also be microwaved, in an uncovered shallow pan of water for four minutes. Shoots will still be crisp and crunchy after cooking.


Where to Find Bamboo Shoots?

Some farmers in Malaysia are now growing bamboo for shoots especially 'BULOH MADU'. You can find fresh, locally grown bamboo shoots at early farmers and mostly are considered Organic Bamboo Shoot. Other supply of bamboo shoot are from markets and selected stores and restaurants or in the wet market throughout the year. Canned bamboo shoots are available at most grocery stores and frozen shoots are available at a few stores. Most canned bamboo shoot in Malaysia are imported from China and Thailand.  

How Nutritious are Bamboo Shoots?

Bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories. One cup of half-inch long slices contains a mere 14 calories and half a gram of fat. The shoots are a good source of fiber. The same serving size provides about 2.5 grams of fiber; which is approximately 10% of the recommended amount needed in a day. Fiber helps keep cholesterol levels in check and plays a role in preventing colon cancer.

Bamboo shoots are also a good source of potassium . one cup provides 640 milligrams, which is 18% of the daily recommended amount. Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral. It helps to maintain normal blood pressure and a steady heart beat. When it comes to phytochemicals, natural substances found in plants, bamboo shoots hold promise. They contain lignans and phenolic acids. Lignans, a component of fiber, exhibit a number of important properties that are undergoing research. Lignans appear to have anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. Phenolic acids have mild anti-inflammatory properties and are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent cancer and the blood vessel injury that can start atherosclerosis.

Enjoying Bamboo Shoots as fres is the best selection. Bamboo shoots must be peeled and boiled for 20 minutes before using. Raw shoots are bitter tasting and can be hard to digest. Here are some ways cooked bamboo can be used.


• Serve as a vegetable side dish with a bit of butter and pepper or soy sauce.
• Add to salads, soups, vegetable combination dishes or stir-fry.
• Stir-fry in a wok and serve with soy sauce and rice.
• Marinate in rice vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce for several hours.
• Try one of the following delicious recipes


The fresh bamboo shoot prepred by slicing the fresh bamboo fresh from farms. Boiled for about 30 minutes in clean water with some salts. The process is to remove the unwanted cynogenic content for assurance. The best menu is to cook bamboo shoot witk coconut milk and hot chili padi. Best with warm rice during lunch time.

By,
M Anem
Melaka
Malaysia.