Why should bamboo shoots be boiled in an open container?
To remove the toxins in bamboo shoots, after buying them, you need to wash them thoroughly and boil them several times, each time boiling for about 10 – 15 minutes. During the boiling process, it is recommended to keep the container open instead of covering it.
The explanation from the doctor will help you understand why bamboo shoots need to be boiled in an open container: Fresh bamboo shoots contain a lot of cyanide, which, when ingested, will convert into hydrocyanic acid – a toxic substance that causes dizziness, nausea, and can even lead to respiratory failure, asphyxiation and a bluish color in the body. Bamboo shoots can also be treated with bleaching agents or sulfur to preserve their freshness and enhance their appearance.
Opening the container when boiling bamboo shoots will help remove some of the toxins. In addition, to reduce the toxins in bamboo shoots, you need to soak and boil them thoroughly.
Tips for boiling fresh bamboo shoots without bitterness and toxicity
The following tips will help make your bamboo shoot dish more delicious and safer, with maximum removal of toxins.
Boil bamboo shoots multiple times
After buying fresh bamboo shoots, you need to peel off the skin, wash them thoroughly, and boil them multiple times. While boiling, remember to keep the container open so that the toxins can escape through the steam. When the bamboo shoots are soft and less bitter in taste, they are ready for cooking.
Boil bamboo shoots with rice washing water
Keep the fresh bamboo shoots intact and place them in a large pot. Add fresh chili and rice washing water to the pot and boil until the bamboo shoots are soft. Once cooled, remove the bamboo shoots, peel off the skin, and rinse with cold water.
If you notice any unusual scent or color in the bamboo shoots, do not use them.
Boil bamboo shoots with water spinach
This is a method to remove toxins from bamboo shoots that not everyone knows. After buying bamboo shoots, peel off the skin, wash them thoroughly, and place them in a pot to boil together with a handful of water spinach. When the bamboo shoots are cooked and tender, remove them and rinse with cold water for cooking purposes.
Add chili
Leave the skin on the fresh bamboo shoots and place them in the pot. Add a few deseeded chili peppers and pour enough rice water to cover the bamboo shoots. Cook over medium heat, and once the bamboo shoots are soft, turn off the heat. Wait for the bamboo shoots to cool, peel off the skins, and rinse them several times with clean water.
Experts recommend not eating raw fresh bamboo shoots as they contain toxins.
When preparing and eating fresh bamboo shoots, you should keep in mind the following:
– Raw fresh bamboo shoots contain toxins and should not be eaten.
– When boiling or cooking bamboo shoots, it is advisable to keep the container open so that the toxins can escape through the steam and not be absorbed by the bamboo shoots, thus avoiding harm to your health.
– Before drying or sun-drying bamboo shoots, you should soak them in saltwater.
– Boil bamboo shoots multiple times.
– If bamboo shoots appear to have abnormal white/yellow colors or strange odors (indicating spoilage or chemical treatment), they should be discarded and not consumed.
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