It is the newly emerged culm that is cut and harvested as a vegetable. As a general rule, the base diameter will be around a third of the height. Once harvested it is cooked, sliced and added to Asian food dishes. It’s surprising how many people have eaten bamboo shoots without even knowing. Once having tasted freshly grown and cooked bamboo shoot, you will never forget the unique taste and will be delighted with the sumptuous flavour that will vary from species to species.
The quantity of new shoots and their size varies within a particular species, depending on soil and air temperature, the availability of water and especially upon the age of the plant itself.