Bamboo shoot
The tender-crisp, ivory-colored shoot of an edible species of bamboo plant. The young tender shoots are cut as soon as they appear above ground, but they may also be covered with soil as they grow so they remain pale in color (preventing the development of the green pigment).
Plural
Bamboo shoots
Season
available year-round
How to select
Available fresh in Asian markets, but generally sold canned.
1 (8 oz.) can = 1 cup drained
How to prepare
Rinse before using. Canned bamboos shoots are pre-cooked and need only to be heated. Fresh bamboo shoots should be boiled until tender, husked, then cut up.
Substitutions
asparagus OR coconut shoots (sweeter)