When choosing dried bamboo shoots, select those that are light yellow in color, have a distinctive aroma, are thick and wide in texture, feel dry to the touch, and can be broken easily.
On January 5, Dr. Truong Hong Son, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, stated that dried bamboo shoots are a familiar dish during the Lunar New Year celebrations. In 100 grams of dried bamboo shoots, there are 23 grams of water, 13 grams of protein, 2.1 grams of lipids, 21.5 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of fiber… The fiber content in bamboo shoots is even higher than that of some fresh vegetables.
“A high fiber content is beneficial for digestion and weight loss and helps prevent other diseases. However, they should only be consumed in moderation, not exceeding 500 grams per day,” Dr. Son advised.
In some areas, sellers often use sulfur to prevent mold and moisture in bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. Sulfur is a volatile chemical that can adversely affect users’ health.
The World Health Organization recommends that sulfur content should not exceed 20 mg/kg of the product. If consumers use products with high concentrations of sulfur over a long period, they may suffer from neurological damage, behavioral issues, circulatory system problems, cardiovascular dysfunction, eye damage, reduced vision, reproductive issues, blood poisoning, kidney failure, and more.
To eliminate toxins from bamboo shoots, when purchasing them, it is essential to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and dust on the surface. Then, soak the bamboo shoots for at least 5-6 hours or overnight to ensure they cook evenly. During the soaking process, regularly change the water to help filter out any remaining bitterness and impurities.
After soaking, place the bamboo shoots in a colander, wait for them to drain, then put them in a pot to boil until they are completely soft. It is recommended to boil the bamboo shoots for at least one hour over medium heat. Afterward, drain the water, add fresh water, and boil for another hour for even softness.
During boiling, if the water level drops, add more water to ensure the bamboo shoots are always submerged.
Dried bamboo shoots. (Photo: WordPress).
Dr. Son recommends a few tips when selecting products. Specifically, good dried bamboo shoots are light yellow, show an amber color, and have a glossy appearance. They retain a distinctive aroma, have a thick and wide texture, feel dry to the touch, and can be easily broken. Choose shoots that are uniformly colored, short, and free of fibers. Opt for mostly tips as they will be softer and tastier than the stalks when cooked.
Note, bamboo shoots treated with sulfur often have an excessively shiny or dull appearance, and may have an unusual (sour) smell.
Consumers should also avoid purchasing bamboo shoots with spots caused by mold, and those that feel unusually soft. “It is best to buy dried bamboo shoots that are packaged in plastic bags with clear labels, addresses, and origins,” Dr. Son concluded.
