Food Encyclopedia

bamboo shoot

The tender-crisp, ivory-colored shoot of a particular edible species of bamboo plant. Bamboo shoots are cut as soon as they appear above ground while they're still young and tender. Fresh shoots are sometimes available in Asian markets and specialty produce markets and can be found at farmer's markets in the spring and summer. Canned shoots (sliced or whole) can be found in the Asian or gourmet section of most supermarkets.