Bamboo shoots are the young, sprouting stems of a bamboo plant. In most groceries, you can find canned bamboo shoots, which have been peeled and cut into strips.

If you want fresh bamboo shoots, look at a Chinese grocery store or gourmet market. They often carry fresh, whole bamboo shoots, which are cone-shaped, and about 4-5 inches long.

Fresh shoots are a good source of thiamin, vitamin B6, and potassium. However, canned shoots have been stripped of most of their vitamins and minerals.

Rinse canned bamboo shoots well and add to your recipe. Becasue they are pre-cooked, they only need to be heated though. Boil fresh bamboo shoots until tender, then husk and cut up.