We often hear of bamboo as a material used for pieces of furniture or kitchen cutting boards. It is not something that we see being cooked and eaten daily. In fact, some of us do not even know that bamboo can be eaten! If you ask our friendly neighborhood panda, you are sure to hear the word, “yummy.” So, in this article, we will answer, how does bamboo taste?
Pandas aside, the soft part of the plant called bamboo shoots are the ones that are edible. Bamboo shoots are often an ingredient in Asian cooking. These are cone-shaped like that of corn with a brownish and woody texture. Most people characterize its fresh smell as woody, lightly sweet, and earthy in the aroma.
When cooked, bamboo tastes similar to mild chestnuts. It’s firm and crunchy like other fibrous vegetables. Some bamboo shoots can be compared to artichokes because both have edible layers of petals. Usually, bamboo is enjoyed in a stir-fry with other vegetables, steamed on its own, or added to soup as an ingredient.
The shoots of young bamboo plants must be peeled first before cooking because the exterior part has an almost woody texture that is not recommended to be included for cooking.
Do Bamboo Shoots Have Nutritional Benefits?
Don’t worry, you will not look like a panda if you eat bamboo shoots more often. Rather, consuming bamboo provides you with a lot of health benefits.
We have listed some that will make you want to march down that grocery store and check out some fresh shoots for your next meal.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Bamboo shoots are one of the foods that possess a rich amount of edible fiber which helps in decreasing your blood cholesterol level at an optimum rate.
Having this high-fiber food in your diet also lowers your risk for colon cancer because of the enzymes that protect the lining of your digestive organs from toxic food compounds.
Low-Calorie Veggie
This is music for people who are watching their weight. And yes, you heard it right, bamboo shoots are one of the few vegetables that have the lowest calories per 100-gram serving at only 27 calories.
So, consuming bamboo shoots can make you feel full without the worry of gaining weight. Its glycemic index is proven to be low, so people who have diabetes can consume this food and keep their sugar levels in check.
High Levels of Potassium
If you are looking for a plant-based substitute for your potassium intake, then bamboo shoots might just be it. For every 100-gram serving of fresh shoots, it has 533 mg of potassium makes it around 11% of your daily potassium needs.
On top of its potassium content, scientific research suggests that this plant also contains phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals that are vital to keeping our metabolic functions in proper form.
Phytochemicals that Fight Cancer
In essence, bamboo shoots are rich in vitamins and minerals. Another good thing to know is that this plant contains phytochemicals that fight cancer-causing agents.
Because of its seasonal nature, we do not often find fresh bamboo shoots in our local grocery. Usually, it is shipped frozen to the United States from China, Thailand, or Taiwan. Because of its health benefits, however, we are starting to see vacuum-sealed or canned bamboo shoots on grocery shelves all year round due to the demand it carries.
If you find some fresh bamboo shoots, always look for the ones harvested recently. The best tasting shoots are the ones that are brownish in the color of the base because a greenish discoloration indicates that the shoot has been exposed to sunlight and that it is starting to mature which leaves a bitter taste to your dish when cooked.
Lastly, fresh bamboo should be consumed within two days of purchase to maximize its benefits and keep the freshness locked in. Otherwise, place them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator unpeeled.
Can You Die from Eating Bamboo?
Absolutely not! Although, fresh bamboo shoots contain taxiphyllin which is a type of cyanide. When eaten raw, it may leave you feeling uncomfortable, but it is highly unlikely to kill a person. A simple boiling of the shoots will detoxify the plant.
As mentioned above, there are many ways to prepare bamboo shoots. And once it is cooked, it is completely safe to consume. The usual boiling time for the bamboo shoots to be totally removed from the said toxin is around 20-25 minutes. In that way, you will still enjoy its crunchy texture and enzymes that are beneficial to your health.
Can Humans Eat Bamboo?
Yes, humans eat bamboo. Bamboo shoots are one of the most highly consumed plants in Asia because of their health benefits. In many Asian countries, it is either steamed, stir-fried, boiled, or served as an ingredient to the soup because of its enzymes.
Once it is prepared well, it is detoxified making it completely safe for human consumption and enjoyment.
Is Eating Bamboo Good for You?
Indeed, eating bamboo is good for you because of its numerous benefits to health and weight loss, many people – even those not of Asian descent – are becoming a fan.
In fact, it has a great potential of becoming a superfood because it possesses proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and the like, which is vital to maintaining our overall health.
Never forget the dietary fiber that is high in every serving of the bamboo shoots which improves gut, colon health, prevents hypertension, obesity, and blood pressure-related illnesses.
Its phytochemical compounds are a perfect source of cancer-fighting agents that decreases the growth rate of carcinogens and cancer cell invasion, all thanks to its phytosterol content.
Overall, consuming bamboo that is prepared and cooked properly provides your body with long-term health benefits and helps keep illnesses at bay.
Bamboo Group is a collaboration of individuals who love the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly natural material. We believe every home can benefit from the natural colors and patterns of bamboo. We’re excited to see bamboo grow in popularity and get the recognition it deserves. Years of experience growing bamboo plants have taught us a lot we want to share with the world.
