Edible Bamboo Plants
Many species of bamboo can grow to massive heights and may not appear to be edible at first glance. The main bodies of the bamboo stalks are certainly not edible due to their thick, wood-like nature. Certain species early in the growing season produce edible shoots which can be around 6 inches long and look a little like asparagus. These shoots can be broken off and used in cooking or some can even be eaten raw. Does this Spark an idea?
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Giant Timber Bamboo
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Giant timber bamboo is a clumping variety which can grow up to 65 feet in height and can be up to 4 inches thick. It grows straight and tall, is dark green in color and has short branches and large, rounded leaves. Native to China, giant timber grows well in Florida and South Carolina. Its main use is as a natural garden barrier. It produces edible shoots which are commercially harvested in China and Taiwan and can be used in cooking or eaten raw.
Moso
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Moso is the largest of the hardy bamboos, sometimes growing up to 80 feet in height, but more commonly between 40 and 50 feet. It grows in thick, bright green stalks between 4 and 7 inches thick with short branches and elongated thin leaves. It is one of the most common species used for edible bamboo shoots as harvesting can happen more often than most types. Because of its natural stiffness it is often used in bamboo utensils and some construction applications.
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Nidularia
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Nidularia is a medium-sized type of bamboo reaching heights of around 33 feet. It is very thin at less than 2 inches thick. Stalks are dark green in color and have a large amount of foliage at the top with tightly-packed branches and elongated leaves. It is a hardy variety, capable of withstanding temperatures of around zero degrees Fahrenheit. The youngest shoots produced on the plant are considered the most tasty.
Edible Bamboo
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Edible Bamboo is a smaller variety, growing between 15 to 20 feet in height with stalks of just 2 inches thick. It is a favorite food of panda bears and is one of the hardiest species, able to tolerate temperatures of zero to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It produces edible shoots during the spring months at the base of its stalks which are best if they snap off easily, such as is the case with asparagus.
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References
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