Bamboo Shoots: A Delicacy with a Catch
Bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, such as sour soup, spare ribs, and fish soup. However, despite their delicious taste, many people are hesitant to cook with them due to past experiences of itching in the mouth and throat after consumption. Preparing bamboo shoots can be even more daunting as direct contact with the shoots during peeling and cleaning can cause skin irritation.
A simple trick to avoid itchy hands when preparing bamboo shoots
The surest way to avoid skin irritation when handling bamboo shoots is to wear rubber gloves. However, if you don’t have gloves or prefer not to use them, you can rinse the shoots with saltwater to prevent itching.
Try these tips to reduce skin irritation when preparing bamboo shoots. (Shutterstock)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing bamboo shoots without the itch:
- Wash the bamboo shoots thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel away the tough outer layer, similar to peeling a banana.
- Use a knife to remove the curved inner portion of the shoot.
- Cut the shoot into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to cut them diagonally to expose more surface area for better seasoning absorption.
- Sprinkle salt onto the cut bamboo shoots and mix well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps reduce the itching sensation and ensures even seasoning.
- Rinse the shoots in a basin of water and gently squeeze them to remove excess water.
- Blanch the shoots in boiling water for a few minutes to kill bacteria and neutralize the irritant.
- Soak the shoots in a strong saltwater solution once more, then rinse them several times with cold water. At this point, the shoots should be itch-free.
In addition to salt, you can also use vinegar to rinse the bamboo shoots. Vinegar effectively cleanses the shoots without causing any irritation.
To further minimize direct contact with the shoots, you can rinse your hands under running water during preparation.
Relieving itchiness caused by bamboo shoots
If you experience itchiness from handling or consuming bamboo shoots, try the following remedies:
- Milk: Pour some fresh milk on your hands and rub it in. Milk can quickly soothe itchy and irritated skin.
- Sugar: Sprinkle some sugar on your hands and gently rub it in until it dissolves. Rinse your hands with clean water to get rid of the itchy feeling.
- Heat: If the itch is unbearable, hold your hands over a flame or heat a towel and rub it gently on your hands. The heat will help alleviate the itching sensation.
- Warm water: If your mouth feels itchy after eating bamboo shoots, drink some warm water to calm the irritation.
- Ginger saltwater gargle: Crush a piece of fresh ginger and add it to diluted saltwater. Use this solution as a mouthwash.
If the itching persists or becomes severe, consult a doctor.
How to distinguish bamboo shoots from taro stems
Bamboo shoots and taro stems look quite similar, so it’s essential to examine them closely to avoid confusion. Taro stems contain a toxic substance called sapotoxin, which can cause burning sensations in the mouth and tongue, stiff jaws, and respiratory issues.
Bamboo shoots and taro stems share similar appearances. (Source: Lao Dong Newspaper)
Here are some tips to help you identify bamboo shoots accurately:
- Bamboo shoots tend to be softer and have a yellowish hue, while taro stems are tougher, more rigid, and darker green.
- Bamboo shoots are usually smaller in size compared to taro stems.
- Taro stem leaves are shield-shaped, with a very narrow fusion point between the two basal lobes. The stem has a thick, fleshy appearance.
- If you’re unsure, cut a small piece of the stem and smell it. Bamboo shoots have a neutral odor, while taro stems may emit an unpleasant odor.
Always be cautious and ensure you’re working with bamboo shoots and not taro stems to avoid any adverse effects.
Source: VTC News
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