BAMBOO SHOOT (PREORDER)

~20 lbs Bamboo Shoot aka "Zhu-Sun", "Dong-Sun", "竹笋", "冬笋" Bamboo shoots are the edible shoots of bamboo plants. It is cone-shaped with a light yellow to pale green color. Bamboo shoot is generally four inches in length. The bamboo shoot tastes sweet and crunchy with a texture similar to asparagus. However, the outer skin of the bamboo shoot is tough and must be removed before consumption. Bamboo shoots can be braised with pork belly, soy sauce, rock sugar, and oyster sauce as a side dish. Bamboo shoot is available year-round. Handling Tip Selection The bamboo shoot is firm and heavy for its size with no blemishes or decay. Dark coloring indicates older bamboo shoots. Storage The bamboo shoot should be stored at 32°F - 34°f (0°C - 1°C) with a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent and no mist. The typical shelf life is two to three weeks. The bamboo shoot is sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Bambo shoot should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to extend shelf life. Bamboo shoot produces a low level of ethylene. Bamboo shoot is sensitive to chilling injury. Symptom includes an increase in flesh firmness, flesh browning, and off-taste development. The freezing point for the bamboo shoot is 31°F (-0.6°C) should be avoided.