Bamboo shoots are cone-shaped, opaque slices from the bamboo plant with a tender, crisp texture. Bamboo shoots are the tender core of young bamboo, so outer layers should be peeled off and not eaten. Boil the inner flesh for a minimum of 20 minutes — raw shoots are hard on the digestive system and taste bitter. They're often used in Asian cooking and can be stir-fried or grilled or roasted. They are harvested year-round from places like Taiwan, China, India and the Philippines, with peak season in late spring/early summer.
