Bamboo

[slowworm]

Has anyone tried bamboo shoots? Ideally for plants grown in the UK or temperate areas?

I've got a few plants that were chosen for their edible shoots as well as for canes for the garden. After a few years establishing themselves they finally seem to be putting up enough shoots to try to eat a few. I'm curious to know if anyone has tried them and what they thought of them.

 

[Kadushu]

I always think they taste a bit like sewage to be honest. Even in a curry I can't shake the undertones of dubious water.

 

[slowworm]

Are those from a tin or fresh? I don't mind the tinned ones but they do have a certain taste/smell that porbably is more to do with their processing than the actual plant.

 

[Kadushu]

Not sure but I've had them from various people and places in this country (UK) and Asia and the flavour has always been similar. But that's just my subjective experience.

 

[forrestdweller]

not sure about exact reasons(some language issues), but the locals in kanagawa prefecture (japan) always boiled them with rice bran to make them edible (i think it has to do with the silica content)...
long story cut short: as i had too many of them while working in the field i can't face them anymore...

 

[slowworm]

We tried out first home grown bamboo shoot at the weekend, boiled in plain water for a few minutes. It tasted quite pleasant, not bitter at all and a bit like a mild asparagus spear. Certainly edible and worth eating.