Enjoying mountain bamboo shoots

In the fifth lunar month, the rains become more frequent, and the mountainous region, with its diverse terrain, is home to many endemic plant species, including bamboo shoots. Although there is only one harvest season each year, thanks to the high yield and diverse needs, bamboo shoots provide a significant source of income for the local people.

Mangoes

In Cam Mountain (Tinh Bien Town), the most commonly grown bamboo is the "manh tong" variety. The peak season for "manh tong" bamboo shoots begins now and gradually thins out until the 9th lunar month. At the beginning of the season, the price of bamboo shoots is quite high, but the harvest quantity is relatively small. During the peak season, a harvest every 5-7 days can yield tons, but the price drops to only a few thousand dong per kilogram. Thanks to natural farming methods, without reliance on fertilizers or pesticides, and requiring minimal care, the quantity compensates for the income of the local people. The bamboo is left to grow naturally in the sun and wind; at the beginning and end of the season, a little fertilizer is applied, and weeds are cleared to create pathways for harvesting and transportation. Older bamboo stalks are also harvested by households on the mountain to make chopsticks, making full use of their resources for daily life.

Mr. Tran Van Trung's family has been growing bamboo for nearly 40 years, initially to provide shade for perennial fruit trees and reduce soil erosion. Recognizing the income potential of bamboo shoots, Mr. Trung has been planting additional bamboo each year, filling the gaps between his custard apple, durian, avocado, and strawberry crops. According to Mr. Trung, nearly half of the households living in the mountains are engaged in bamboo cultivation for shoots, ranging from a few dozen clumps to several hectares. Bamboo thrives in sandy soil, has large stems, grows vigorously, and produces delicious and high-yielding shoots. Bamboo shoots are an ingredient in many delicious dishes, providing income for the locals during the rainy season.

Bamboo shoots

Bamboo shoots from the Manh Tong variety are quite large, averaging 3-5 kg ​​in weight, with the smallest ones around 2 kg being the tastiest. They have a black, hairy outer layer, a white stem, and a distinctive sweet, crisp taste without bitterness. “Living in the mountains, the cost of living is low, so we just need to work hard to have a variety of fruits and vegetables to sell, changing with the seasons. Besides selling fresh, bamboo shoots are processed by pickling, drying, and are a solution when production is high and the consumption season is extended.” Hearing Mr. Trung's story, we immediately pictured a steaming pot of bamboo shoot soup, braised with pepper and meat, or stir-fried with garlic… all delicious.

Using similar preparation methods, those who prefer a stronger flavor can try bamboo shoots from the Tầm Vông tree – a " economic crop" in Tri Tôn district. Tầm Vông trees are grown intensively in Lương Phi commune and Ba Chúc town, and also scattered in other localities such as Lê Trì, Ô Lâm, Cô Tô, etc. The Tầm Vông tree has a small trunk, and locals primarily cultivate it for harvesting the mature trunk, not for its shoots. In recent years, the Khmer ethnic minority have been harvesting Tầm Vông bamboo shoots for sale, gradually making it a familiar seasonal delicacy for visitors.

The bamboo shoots of the Tầm Vông variety are small, about the size of a wrist, with a sturdy, glossy green outer shell. Once the outer layer is peeled off, the flesh inside is only about half its original size. Perhaps that's why Tầm Vông bamboo shoots are always expensive. Another reason is that few people harvest them for consumption or sale, as healthy shoots are grown into mature plants, which have higher economic value. The number of households selling Tầm Vông bamboo shoots in An Tức commune is not large, with modest stalls in front of their houses, yet customers flock to buy them throughout the day. Some are sold with the outer shell intact, others have been peeled and shredded, or are pickled and dried…

Bamboo shoots can be used to prepare many delicious dishes.

Ms. Neang Sang (An Tuc commune) said that in addition to her family's bamboo shoots, she buys more from neighboring households to ensure she has enough to sell throughout the season. The bamboo shoots harvested are low-growing shoots or those from clumps that have produced too many shoots and need thinning to allow the plant to grow stronger. The lowest price for bamboo shoots is 20,000 VND, and it doubles at the beginning of the season. When cooked, bamboo shoots have a slightly bitter taste, are crispy, and fragrant. Currently, at the beginning of the season, Ms. Sang sells about 20 kg daily. Towards the end of the season, she divides the quantity to sell fresh and dry. Dried bamboo shoots are pliable, not hard, and no longer bitter, making them delicious in noodle dishes and stews.

To meet the demand of diners from all over who come to the mountainous region to enjoy bamboo shoots, many eateries have sprung up around the bamboo growing areas. They take advantage of this local food source to serve a variety of attractive dishes, from boiled, stir-fried, stewed, salads, braised, hot pot... offering unique flavors.

HOAI ANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/thuong-thuc-mang-nui-a421707.html