Harvesting Takenoko Bamboo Shoots in Japan

Early spring is the time to harvest bamboo shoots in Japan where this unique food is used in a wide variety of dishes. Bamboo shoots are called takenoko in Japanese which literally means 'child of bamboo'. Before harvesting the shoots must first be found and it takes a careful eye to spot the green tips of the plant as it pokes through the soil. Takenoko is only harvested when the shoots are very young and shoots which have extended more than a few centimeters above the ground are often rejected.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Bamboo
• Shoots
• Takenoko
• Forest
• Japan
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[LTEpic]

i dont want to disrespect anyone. i bought bamboo shoots in chili oil today and tried it. i nearly puked. sorry if i abused anyone who likes them, its just not my kind of food :( sorry

[softypapa]

@LTEpic Bamboo shoots are indeed an acquired taste for many. ~Kurt :-)

[vaudevilleUK]

Your videos are always inspirational. I've visited many places and seem to have walked most of my native Wales and England, but your videos always make me want to spend a great deal of time in Japan. Thanks.

[softypapa]

@vaudevilleUK Thank you for your nice words. Your own walks sound wonderful! I hope that you have a chance to visit and explore in other parts of the world which catch your interest. Have a great day! ~Kurt :-)

[marblemill]

This is great. I love collecting wild foods.

I was wondering how deep they are going. Do you hit the main root and thats when you split it off?

[softypapa]

@marblemill We typically dig far enough down to make a good cut into the lower section of the plant. There seems to be a bit of an art to doing this well and many older men in our area are very fast and accurate. I'm always making a bad cut. -Kurt :-)

[atomicboyx]

i think your vids are great because you show the non metropolis side of japan and its always so fascinating!

[kantoujin]

Thank you for an interesting video. Bamboo shoot (Harvesting Takenoko) season has come! It's a spring taste. It's really Japanese countryside. You can harvest Takenoko. You are very lucky!

[brian2010lal]

Love bamboo shoot !!

[9072aaa]

thank you. i did not recognize your handle but i did remember you voice. another great vid !

[ELFHUNTER50]

is it bitter or sweet?

[prettypinkcupcakes55]

Looks like so much fun C:

[boonskyler]

what is the variety of bamboo you harvesting.

[MyError100]

this is really nice video

[mp4542]

Grate footage

[SyntaxError47]

i like your video...verypleasant

[MyError100]

nice work men

[southernbambooinc]

makes me hungry!