Which bamboo plant is edible?!

You probably know that bamboo is a panda’s favourite snack. The friendly giants munch up to a whopping 84 pounds of the stuff every day. If you’ve ever wondered what it tastes like, good news. There are varieties of bamboo plants that are delicious for us humans too. Read on to discover which bamboo plants are edible and the nutritional benefits the wonder plant can bring to your plate.

Can you eat any type of bamboo?

Now, while bamboo is edible and has been a natural delicacy for thousands of years – not all species can be eaten. Bamboo shoots can contain potentially toxic amounts of cyanogenic glycosides – to be specific, a substance called Taxiphyllin. This actually dissolves in boiling water, so bamboo shoots must be prepared very carefully before eating. Another thing to consider before tucking in is what the bamboo shoots will taste like. While some species can be absolutely delicious, others can be bitter and not so tasty. It’s all about knowing your Acidosasa Edulis from your Madake! Let’s take a look at some types of bamboo plants that you can get cooking…

Which types of bamboo plants are edible?

If you are looking to impress your dinner guests or try something new, here is a list of some of the common types of plants – rated from edible to delicious!

Giant thorny bamboo – Edible
Common bamboo – Edible
Water bamboo – Edible
Female bamboo – Good
Bengal bamboo – Good
Punting pole bamboo – Good
Beechy bamboo – Good
Spiny bamboo – Good
Burmese bamboo – Good
Walking stick bamboo – Delicious
Aromatic bamboo – Delicious
Elegant bamboo – Delicious
Zig-Zag bamboo – Delicious
Square bamboo – Delicious
Aromatic bamboo – Delicious
Square bamboo – Delicious
Elegant bamboo – Delicious

Bear in mind that all of the above types of edible bamboo must be cooked thoroughly, and expert instructions must be followed to ensure they are toxin-free and maximise their taste. Fancy an easy option? Many bamboo shoots are readily available in cans in plenty of supermarkets and Asian markets. They are also added to many Chinese meals, so before you get your pans out, it may be worth browsing local menus and saving yourself the dishes. Who doesn’t love a takeaway?!

What are the nutritional benefits of bamboo?

Although bamboo has been a staple of the healthy Asian diet for years, the western cuisine scene is only just tapping into its super nutritional benefits. Beyond creating the most beautifully soft bedding and sleep products, bamboo can be whipped up into delicious meals that can boost your well-being. Here are some of the key healthy reasons to add bamboo to your diet…

Lowers cholesterol

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, and looking to your diet for ways to manage this is a great way to stay healthy. The good news is bamboo contains a high level of fibre and very few calories, which can help lower your cholesterol and keep you feeling well.

Packed with vitamins and minerals

Bamboo shoots contain heaps of vitamins and minerals from thiamine and B6 to niacin, which can help keep your immune system at its best by fending off those winter colds and flu.

Improves digestion

Bamboo is a gentle, healthy way to improve your digestion due to its high levels of heart-loving fibre. Another reason to add it to your plate!

Are any parts of the bamboo plant poisonous?

Bamboo shoots are the only part of the plant that is edible – the leaves should not be eaten. Fresh bamboo shoots are best eaten within the first two weeks, although canned varieties can be stored and eaten beyond this. When it comes to cooking bamboo, attention must be paid. It is vital to cook the shoots properly to ensure any toxic cyanide is removed before you enjoy the nutritional benefits. Ready to be inspired? Here are some dishes you can make from bamboo.

The best bamboo dishes

Get your chef hat on – here are some great meals to whip up to start enjoying bamboo as part of your diet…

Stir fry

Try adding bamboo shoots to a chicken or veggie stir fry; they can add a great flavour and are a delicious way to boost your meal with extra vitamins and fibre.

Soups

What’s better than a warm, hearty soup after a long day? Adding bamboo to your favourite soups can give your well-being a comforting boost one yummy spoon at a time.

Side dishes

Move over creamed spinach and fries. Bamboo can make a tasty side dish for many of your favourite dinners. Feel free to play around with adding herbs and spices to give it a kick!

The bamboo takeaway

So there you have it. Although we don’t advise nibbling on your bamboo bedding (even if it does feel good enough to eat), bamboo can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. Just perhaps not in quite the same quantities as our panda friends!