Edible bamboo shoots

[cariann88]

I like to eat Char siu(chinese pork) chop suey from the take away. And I would like to make it sometime instead of having to order it from the take away.

Then it got me thinking, can you grow edible bamboo shoots in England? And if you can has anyone ever grown them?

[planetologist]

I started growing bamboo this year, so won't have a harvest for some time yet. Got the plant from friends and they didn't know the species, but most species are edible. If I remember correctly Phyllostachys edulis sprouts in April, which strikes me as the most useful time of year, and it can be grown in the UK.

[cariann88]

Thanks. Might give it a try then


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[VolesAteMyPeas]

Oh. We have a massive bamboo in a tub in the back yard. I hate it and it's not very attractive but it's my husband's and he has a weird sentimental attachment to it. Maybe we could eat the shoots. I love bamboo shoots too cariann88. Can't say I've ever seen anything on it that looks edible to be honest though. I have no idea how one would prepare a bamboo shoot. The shoots on ours are really skinny and dry looking!

[Moopmoop]

Please do make sure you read up very carefully what species of bamboo to use and cook thoroughly as bamboo can contain very high levels of cyanide!!!

[joyceybabe]

Please do make sure you read up very carefully what species of bamboo to use and cook thoroughly as bamboo can contain very high levels of cyanide!!!

No wonder that Giant Pandas are an endangered species!

[bananamelon]

cyanide!!! is not poisonous to all animals.

[Penellype]

While it is true that not all animals are susceptible to cyanide, humans are, and it is certainly wise to be careful. You should never assume that because one member of a plant family is safe to eat, all members of that family are. A great example is the solanacae family which contain potatoes and tomatoes on one hand and deadly nightshade on the other. If you are not sure that something is edible it is safest not to eat it.

[veggiechicken]

Here's a site that may help you Cariann - or confuse you
Edible Bamboo Shoots and Species
Personally, I'd buy a tin of bamboo shoots and grow beansprouts

[Moopmoop]

110 known edible out of 1575 species, I don't like them odds. I'm with VC, tinned it is.

[cariann88]

Think I'll stick to the tinned ones


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