Spring is the peak season for bamboo shoots. Bamboo shoots are crisp, tender, and delicious, and are known as the "number one vegetarian food." However, it's important to be careful when eating bamboo shoots. Here are some things to keep in mind when eating bamboo shoots in spring!

Spring is the peak season for bamboo shoots, but there are some taboos associated with eating them.

　　It's best to blanch bamboo shoots before stir-frying them.

　　Because fresh bamboo shoots contain a large amount of oxalic acid, which can affect the body's absorption of calcium, bamboo shoots should not be stir-fried immediately after cutting. It is best to blanch them in boiling water first, for about 1-2 minutes, or even longer, to soften the coarse fibers and aid digestion. This also removes the astringent taste and improves the flavor. Furthermore, stir-frying the bamboo shoots until they are thoroughly cooked further breaks down the oxalic acid.

　　Bamboo shoots that make your mouth numb can be blanched in salt water.

　　Bamboo shoots cause a tingling sensation in the mouth because they contain a lot of oxalic acid, which makes them taste numb. To remove this, slice fresh bamboo shoots, blanch them briefly in boiling water, and then stir-fry them with some salt in the water.

　　How long should bamboo shoots be soaked before eating?

　　Fresh bamboo shoots do not need to be soaked, while dried bamboo shoots only need to be soaked for an hour. Bamboo shoots should be soaked in water from the bottom after harvesting to prevent them from becoming bitter and developing excessive fibrousness. Not soaking them can expose the body to toxic substances (hydrogen cyanide), which can cause harm with long-term consumption. Soaking for ten minutes or so is sufficient.

　　You should control the amount of bamboo shoots you eat.

　　Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bamboo shoots are sweet and cold in nature, and are considered a type of "trigger food." Trigger foods are those that are rich in nutrients or have stimulating properties, and are particularly prone to inducing certain diseases (especially the recurrence of old illnesses) or aggravating existing diseases. Therefore, it is essential to control the amount consumed; they should not be eaten every day, let alone at every meal.

　　Bamboo shoots should not be eaten on an empty stomach.

　　Do not eat bamboo shoots on an empty stomach. Before eating them, you can drink some soup or stew, or eat a few bites of rice to reduce the irritation of bamboo shoots to the gastrointestinal mucosa. After eating bamboo shoots, try not to eat raw or cold foods, such as ice cream, iced beer, or raw seafood.