Finding good bamboo shoots
I recently tried to make a soup recipe that called for bamboo shoots. I found some canned shoots from a local Asian supermarket and attempted to use those---but they were awful. They had a bitter, metallic taste from the can, and no other discernible flavor. I'm pretty sure that's not what bamboo shoots are supposed to taste like, but how can I find good ones?
I'm not asking for specific shopping recommendations, but more general advice.
- Do frozen bamboo shoots exist? Are they better than canned?
- Am I likely to find fresh bamboo shoots at the Asian market if I ask?
- Is there some other recommendation for finding a good brand that I can use?
Best Answer
Fresh bamboo shoots are available at Asian markets but the quality control of those can vary greatly by market and turnaround (if you have a "reputable" one nearby like a Ranch99 I'd check them out). They tend to be more tender and sweet than canned bamboo shoots. It's worth a shot, though. Ideally you'd be able to eat them straight without cooking.
However, in most general cases, I agree with TFD's comment.
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How do I choose bamboo shoots?
Select bamboo shoots that are heavy and firm, with a fresh, firm outer skin. (Only about 2 or 3 kinds of bamboo varieties produce edible shoots, and they are all quite large and come from fairly old bamboos.What kind of bamboo shoots can you eat?
Yes! Bamboo has been eaten for thousands of years. We have prepared a list of species that can be grown in the USA and eaten by you! Each edible species has been rated on tastefulness and productivity....Nutritional value for 100 g (3.5 oz) of raw Bamboo shoots.NutrientValueFAT.3gPROTEIN2.6g3 more rowsWhat is the best tasting bamboo?
edulis: This South Asian bamboo can grow to 50 or 60 feet tall, in tight clumps, with culms up to 5 or 6 inches thick. Zigzag culms are dull, dark green, with a profusion of long branches. Shoots are among the best tasting of any species.How do you forage bamboo shoots?
Harvest bamboo shoots by cutting them off even with the soil, or digging around the young shoot and cutting just above the rhizome. Clean the shoot and peel the outer sheaths.How to Harvest and Preserve Bamboo Shoots
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Answer 2
Canned bamboo shoots are NOTHING like fresh ones. But they should not have been awful, metallic. Try another brand.
Frozen bamboo shoots are also available in many Asian markets. Not as good as fresh, but better than canned. If you are unlucky enough to live where there are no Asian markets (I tried to get BEAN SPROUTS in Bensalem, PA and everybody looked at me like I was nuts, so forget that place), canned ones will have to do but there are some dishes for which they won't work (Braised Bamboo Shoots, for one).
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