Bamboo shoots, as a root vegetable, how fun and easy. Raw bamboo shoots come in a can if you cannot trek to Asia to dig them up yourself. The diet of a chronically ill person can get a bit dull. Let’s be more creative and healthy at the same time.
Bamboo is used for a natural fiber that is a renewable source for all kinds of things. Green-Up Your Home with bamboo choices is healthy and responsible.
Now it is time to look at bamboo shoots as a source of food. It is a delightful healthy addition to meals.
Think Asian!!! Asia covers approximately 30% of the planet’s land area and constitutes roughly 60% of the world’s population (according to Wikipedia). Use an Asian MAP to help you visualize.
Bamboo consumption is confined mostly to Southeast Asian and East Asian countries. They use them as a vegetable in dishes and broths. Around the rest of the world, we can purchase them canned.
I am all about fresh produce but sometimes we don’t live in areas that provide some of the fun stuff like fresh bamboo shoots in local markets.
Canned is not as good as fresh but they are still worth trying if you haven’t already.
Anyone with a green-thumb just might want to try to grow them yourselves ~ How to Grow Edible Bamboo Shoots
Nutritional Value
Besides being a fun food, they have nutritional value.
Bamboo shoots have immense potential of being used as important health food as they contain high proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, many important minerals, and vitamins. Freshly collected bamboo shoots have good amount of thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
~ Research Article: The Nutritional Facts of Bamboo Shoots
Read more about bamboo shoots dietary fiber value ~ GreenMedInfo
Flavor of a Bamboo Shoot
Bamboo shoots don’t have much flavor to them. They tend to take on the flavor of the ingredients of the dish they are prepared in.
If you add them to any stir-fry, they take on those flavors.
If you add them to salads, they are an extra layer and they have a slight crunch to them as you chew.
Personally, I like a hint of bamboo shoots in both stir-fry and salads. I open the can, drain it, and store left-overs in a glass container in the refrigerator and use them up during the week.
Purchasing Organic Bamboo Shoots
First look at your local grocery store. I always recommend certified organic but sometimes that is hard to find.
If that does not work, Amazon to the rescue – Bamboo Shoots – Organic – six 14-ounce cans
Other helpful ingredients to make healthy salad dressing or sauce for stir-fry:
- Bragg Liquid Aminos (natural soy sauce alternative – tastes the same)
- Bragg Organic Sprinkle Seasoning
- Bragg Organic Nutritional Yeast (this is a healthy way to thicken stir-fry sauce or salad dressings)
- Bragg Organic Sea Kelp Seasoning (super healthy and blends right in so it is not obnoxious if you are not used to it)
- Bragg’s Variety Pack includes one of each (Liquid Aminos, Sea Kelp, Nutritional Yeast, Apple Cider Vinegar)
I have used Bragg’s products for 25 years now. Love them all!!!! Healthy way to add variety to the usual American food. Venture out and try other cuisines, the healthy way.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging and social media activities, I may receive monetary compensation for links to products from this post. However, I only recommend products that I personally love and use myself. If it is not good enough for me, it certainly is not good enough for you!!
HEALTH COACH DISCLAIMER: Health/Wellness coaching is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed professional. Trained and certified Health Coaches may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for your personal physician’s care. As your health/wellness coach I do not provide a second opinion or in any way attempt to alter the treatment plans or therapeutic goals/recommendations of your personal physician. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability as you create an action plan to meet and maintain your health goals.
