Bamboo shoots are in season during the spring. Crisp, tender, and delicious, they are hailed as the "number one vegetarian delicacy." However, it's best to eat them in moderation. Here are some important things to note when eating bamboo shoots in the spring!
It's best to blanch bamboo shoots before stir-frying
Because fresh bamboo shoots contain a large amount of oxalic acid, which can affect the body's absorption of calcium, you should not stir-fry them immediately after cutting. It's best to blanch them in boiling water first for about 1-2 minutes, or even longer, to soften the coarse fibers and aid digestion. This also removes the astringent taste, improves the texture, and during the stir-frying process, further breaks down the oxalic acid by cooking them through.
Use salted water to blanch bamboo shoots if they cause a tingling sensation
Bamboo shoots cause a tingling sensation because they contain a large amount of oxalic acid. To fix this, slice the fresh bamboo shoots, blanch them in boiling water, remove them, and then stir-fry. Adding some salt to the water will eliminate the tingling.
How long should you soak bamboo shoots before eating
Fresh bamboo shoots do not need to be soaked. Dried bamboo shoots should be soaked for about an hour. Bamboo shoots should have their bases soaked in water as soon as they are harvested to prevent them from becoming bitter and their fibers from toughening. Not soaking them can expose you to toxic substances (hydrogen cyanide), and long-term consumption can be harmful to the body. Soaking for about ten minutes is sufficient.
Control your portion size when eating bamboo shoots
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring shoots are sweet in flavor and cold in nature, and are considered a "trigger food." A trigger food is one that is rich in nutrients or is irritating, and can easily trigger certain diseases (especially relapses) or aggravate existing conditions. Therefore, you must control your portions when eating them; you cannot eat them every day, let alone with every meal.
Don't eat bamboo shoots on an empty stomach
Do not eat spring shoots on an empty stomach. Before eating, you can first drink a sip of soup or broth, or eat a few bites of rice to reduce the irritation of bamboo shoots on the gastric mucosa. After eating spring shoots, try to avoid raw or cold foods, such as ice cream, ice beer, and raw seafood.