Saveur What It Takes to Be a Bamboo Harvester in China’s Sichuan Province

From: Saveur - Saturday Aug 10, 2019 03:01 pm

Searching for shoots in the Bamboo Sea

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Saveur

08/10/2019

This week here at SAVEUR, we’re celebrating all things bamboo. In the heart of China’s Sichuan province, young bamboo shoots are the foundation of the region’s cuisine—they’re beloved steamed, boiled, stir-fried, cooked into soups, and so much more. Harvesting and cooking them takes timing, commitment, and know-how. Follow bamboo gatherer Xiao Zai Hui as she searches for the ripest, biggest shoots in Shunan Zhuhai National Park, where the 11,000 acres of preserved land filled with wild-growing bamboo is known as the Bamboo Sea. In the Sichuan cities of Yibin and Chengdu, not only are the shoots prized, but also the mushrooms that exclusively grow on the bamboo. Learn how to cook with both delicacies in some of the region’s best dishes, plus don’t miss our bamboo shopping guide.

What It Takes to Be a Bamboo Harvester in China's Sichuan Province

Gathering and cooking the region's seasonal shoots takes timing, commitment, and know-how

3 Ways to Buy and Cook with Bamboo

Here's how to work fresh, canned, and vacuum-packed bamboo into your favorite dishes

Fresh Bamboo Stir-Fry with Sweet Peppers

Garlic and ginger infuse thinly sliced fresh bamboo shoots with plenty of flavor, while red bell pepper adds color and sweetness

Spicy Mushroom Stir-Fry

Hua jun, or "slippery mushrooms," from Sichuan’s Bamboo Sea are quick-cooked over high heat with a trio of chiles (sweet, spicy, and pickled)

Garlicky Yu Choy Stir-Fry

Two types of heat turn up the volume in these stir-fried greens: dried chao tian jiao (facing heaven) chiles and Sichuan peppercorns

Chinese Bacon and Morel Mushroom Stir-Fry

While this dish is traditionally made with bamboo mushrooms called zhu maodu, morels are a great substitute—and an excellent foil for the rich Chinese bacon and salty, spicy Pixian broad bean chile paste

Sichuan Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots and Mushrooms

The chefs at Qicai Shanzhuang serve this chicken soup garnished with the lacy veil of the bamboo mushroom

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