According to research by a group of Chinese scientists, bamboo shoots could play a significant role in providing a sustainable and nutritious food source for the ever-growing global population.
In an article published in the journal Trends in Food Science & Technology, bamboo shoots are highlighted for their numerous health benefits, containing a high protein level comparable to that of cow’s milk and much higher than many types of grains.
The team led by Mr. Wu Liangru, a researcher at the National Bamboo Research Center in China, suggests that bamboo shoots could become a staple food in the future. The researchers wrote in their article: “Bamboo offers potential for sustainable food sources, creating opportunities for trade and export, which could contribute to local economic growth.”
Scientists indicate that bamboo shoots provide seven of the nine essential amino acids that humans need. In fact, the amino acid content in bamboo shoots is higher than in other vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cabbage. Additionally, bamboo shoots contain more iron than spinach and pumpkin.
According to the study, young bamboo shoots are also a rich source of dietary fiber, low in fat, and packed with various vitamins.
Research has shown that bamboo shoots can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and cancer, while also exhibiting antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
They state: “Antioxidant activity is one of the most important functions of bamboo shoots.” Bamboo shoots contain compounds that help eliminate free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and are linked to aging.
Bamboo shoots can be prepared in various ways, including pickling, fermentation, drying, canning, freezing, juicing, and grinding into powder, or cooked like other vegetables.
Bamboo shoots can be made into many delicious dishes. (Photo: IndiaMart).
China is the largest bamboo producer in the world, with approximately 6.4 million hectares of bamboo forest, but less than 6% of this area is dedicated to bamboo shoot production.
It is estimated that around 25 to 35 million tons of bamboo shoots are produced in China each year in this forest area, but only a third is harvested for consumption.
The remaining bamboo shoots go unharvested due to oversupply and low prices, leaving farmers with little incentive to collect them.
However, if bamboo shoots in China were fully harvested and global bamboo production increased, the world could potentially produce up to 150 million tons each year.
According to researchers, of the 800 species found in China, only 153 species are edible, and among those, only 56 species are of high quality.
Fresh bamboo shoots also contain toxins that are reduced through processing, but testing is necessary before bringing products to market, and they must meet international standards to ensure safety.
The researchers also noted that bamboo shoots are a natural resource with great potential to become an important food source worldwide, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
