Main Name: Bamboo Shoot
Biological Name: Bambusa vulgaris, Phyllostachys edulis
Names in other languages: Bambú (Spanish), Bambou (French), Bambus (Czech), Baans (Hindi), Moongil Kuruthu (Tamil), Mulankoombu (Malayalam), Veduru chiguru (Telugu), Bansberankur (Bengali), Kalkipan (Marathi), Baunsagaja (Oriya), Baans (Urdu & Punjabi)
Biological Name: Bambusa vulgaris, Phyllostachys edulis
Names in other languages: Bambú (Spanish), Bambou (French), Bambus (Czech), Baans (Hindi), Moongil Kuruthu (Tamil), Mulankoombu (Malayalam), Veduru chiguru (Telugu), Bansberankur (Bengali), Kalkipan (Marathi), Baunsagaja (Oriya), Baans (Urdu & Punjabi)
If you are looking for a healthy and low calorie option then bamboo shoots are definitely your answer! With numerous health benefits to boast of, bamboo is a tender, perennially green shoot which is also the fastest growing plants in the world. Bamboo shoots, or bamboo sprouts, are young stems that are harvested before they turn two weeks old and reach a height of 30 cm. Crispy and crunchy, bamboo shoots are valued for their delightfully supple texture and rich aroma. Native to Asia, bamboo shoots form an essential ingredient in the kitchens of China, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan and Uganda. The edible bamboo shoots are of two varieties – winter and spring. Spring shoots are larger and tougher compared to the winter shoots, though both are available in fresh and canned forms. Snacks, curries, stir-fries, soups, salads and fried rice are just a few of the delicacies that make use of bamboo shoots. Besides, they contain a certain nutritive value. Read on to know more about these rich dietary supplements.
History
Members of the grass family, bamboo shoots were indigenous to southern China. They are the young and new canes of the bamboo plant, which is extremely versatile. Since ancient times, the woody tree trunks of bamboo have been used to build entire houses, furniture, kitchenware and utensils. Bamboo has also laid the foundation for many bridges and musical instruments, apart from the shoots being widely used as food. Due to its diverse adjustability to a wide range of climates, cultivation of bamboo shoots spread across different continents, from the tropical jungles of Chile to the mountain slopes of the Himalayas. But, owing to the weather conditions, bamboo shoots could not be cultivated in Canada, Europe, Antarctica and Western Asia, although successful efforts have been made in Northern Italy, which has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Today, bamboo shoots are commercially cultivated in Eastern and South Eastern Asia on extensive levels.
Members of the grass family, bamboo shoots were indigenous to southern China. They are the young and new canes of the bamboo plant, which is extremely versatile. Since ancient times, the woody tree trunks of bamboo have been used to build entire houses, furniture, kitchenware and utensils. Bamboo has also laid the foundation for many bridges and musical instruments, apart from the shoots being widely used as food. Due to its diverse adjustability to a wide range of climates, cultivation of bamboo shoots spread across different continents, from the tropical jungles of Chile to the mountain slopes of the Himalayas. But, owing to the weather conditions, bamboo shoots could not be cultivated in Canada, Europe, Antarctica and Western Asia, although successful efforts have been made in Northern Italy, which has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Today, bamboo shoots are commercially cultivated in Eastern and South Eastern Asia on extensive levels.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-bamboo-shoots.html
Health Benefits of Bamboo Shoot
- Very low in calories and high in fiber, bamboo shoots make a valuable addition to any recipe, particularly for people who are trying to lose weight. The fiber takes care of the digestion process, thereby, reducing appetite and chances of diarrhea. It improves bowel movements, increases fecal volume etc.
- Due to the high potassium content in bamboo shoots, they help in keeping the blood pressure under control. Bamboo shoots also have stabilizing effects on the arterial blood pressure.
- Regular consumption of bamboo shoots are known to work wonders for cholesterol health. By reducing LDL levels significantly, these shoots fight the risk of heart diseases.
- With a high amount of antioxidant properties, the shoots contribute towards averting the risk of colon cancer.
- Apart from boosting the body’s immunity, bamboo shoots have anti-inflammatory properties which decrease the risk of contracting various chronic diseases.
- Bamboo shoots have been referred to as an effective herbal remedy for alleviating spasms in the gallbladder.
- These plants have been proven to treat measles faster than any other medication. For best results, soups prepared from bamboo shoots must be consumed twice a day until the symptoms subside.
- Bamboo is known to speed up two significant processes in women: menstruation and labour.
- Other benefits of bamboo shoots are associated with treating baldness, itching, wound bleeding, cataracts and other eye problems, painful menstruation, burning sensations, bladder pain, gonorrheal infections and painful joints.
Bamboo Shoot Nutrition FactsAmount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 126 g
Total Weight: 126 g
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Basic Components | |
| Proteins | 1.9 g |
| Water | 120.8 g |
| Ash | 0.5 g |
| Calories | |
| Total Calories | 15 |
| Calories From Carbohydrate | 8.6 |
| Calories From Fat | 2.3 |
| Calories From Protein | 4.7 |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Fats & Fatty Acids | |
| Total Fat | 276 mg |
| Saturated Fat | 64 mg |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6.3 mg |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 123 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 19 mg |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 104 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamin | 25 mcg |
| Riboflavin | 63 mcg |
| Niacin | 377 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 123 mcg |
| Folate | 2.5 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 83 mcg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 301 mcg |
| Magnesium | 3.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 25 mg |
| Potassium | 669 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Zinc | 590 mcg |
| Copper | 103 mcg |
| Manganese | 142 mcg |
| Selenium | 0.5 mcg |
How many calories in bamboo shoots (per 100 gm)Bamboo shoots have about 12 calories per 100 gm of weight.
How to Buy Bamboo Shoots
- Bamboo shoots can be bought fresh from the market or purchased in the canned forms. While the fresh ones are white and hairless, the canned versions are light yellow since they are slightly boiled beforehand. They may either be canned or sliced.
- Short and firm bamboo shoots are ideal.
- To check for freshness, look out for the colour i.e. they should be a creamy yellow.
- Avoid old or long bamboo shoots as they are woodier but the soft ones are no better as they taste stale and extremely bitter.
Bamboo Shoot Storage Tips
- Fresh bamboo shoots can be easily stored in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, if stored for longer durations and exposed to sunlight, they are likely to develop a bitter taste, making it unpalatable.
- While storing bamboo shoots, place them whole and unpeeled in the coolest part of your refrigerator, preferably the crisper drawer.
- If you have bought the canned version of bamboo shoots, open the can and rinse the shoots in hot water to remove any unpleasant smell and taste. You may also blanch them prior to cooking.
- Alternatively, you can place the bamboo shoots in a jar with water and place it in a refrigerator. Change the water daily, until consumed. This way, they can last for up to two weeks.
