Dried bamboo shoots are a familiar food during Tet, as they are easy to eat and help “prevent boredom.” However, do you know how to choose quality dried bamboo shoots? In today’s Cooking Tips section, TasteVN will show you how to select and soak dried bamboo shoots to soften them quickly!
1 How to identify low-quality dried bamboo shoots
- Dried bamboo shoots that have a bright yellow color and are visually appealing are often treated with sulfur to create an eye-catching color for buyers.
- Additionally, if you smell something strange about the bamboo shoots, it means they are of low quality and not tasty.
- You should closely examine the surface of the dried bamboo shoots; if you see any blemishes or if they are easily breakable, it may be due to mold from being stored for too long, which will not ensure safety when consumed.
2 How to choose delicious and safe dried bamboo shoots
About color
When choosing dried bamboo shoots, pay attention to their color; good dried bamboo shoots will have a light yellow color, interspersed with amber and a slight sheen.
Choose bamboo shoots that have a relatively uniform color and are less fibrous.
About shape
Choose the type of pig tongue bamboo shoots (which look like a pig’s tongue), with a moderate size, short segments; when cooked, they will be tender and help you save time when simmering.
Additionally, you can prioritize buying the tips of the bamboo shoots, as these will be tastier and softer compared to the stem parts.
About aroma
When brought close, you will smell the characteristic fresh and light fragrance of bamboo shoots. Avoid purchasing bamboo shoots that have a slightly burnt smell or a strange odor, as these are often dried using sulfur instead of being naturally sun-dried.
Avoid buying dried bamboo shoots that show signs of mold, gray-black spots, feel damp and soft to the touch, and emit a strong unpleasant odor when brought close.
About packaging and origin
Currently, dried bamboo shoots are widely sold in the market, so to ensure safety, you should buy dried bamboo shoots that have clear labels and origins, paying attention to the production date and expiration date.
Don’t buy products that are too cheap and lack clear origins!
3 How to quickly soften dried bamboo shoots
Rinse the bamboo shoots thoroughly, then soak them in cold water overnight.
The next morning, discard the soaking water, and rinse each piece of bamboo shoot thoroughly. Make sure to wash them well to prevent sourness.
After washing, cover the bamboo shoots with water again and continue soaking for about 3 – 4 hours to soften them.
4 How to properly boil dried bamboo shoots
After soaking, proceed to boil the bamboo shoots. Place the dried bamboo shoots into a pot, add enough water to cover the shoots, turn on medium heat until the water boils, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Pour the bamboo shoots into a colander, then rinse the bamboo shoots with cold water.
Continue to add cold water to the pot to boil again. Repeat this process about 3 times until the water becomes clear and you no longer see dark yellow water.
Finally, place the bamboo shoots in a colander to drain, use a knife to remove the tough, dark parts, and you’re done. They are now ready to be prepared into a dish.
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Hope that with the article how to choose dried bamboo shoots and soaking dried bamboo shoots that TasteVN just shared will help you gain more useful information and tips for the upcoming diverse and delicious Tet menus. Wishing you success!
