Expiration & Storage Tips
When does bamboo shoot expire?
Unopened canned or vacuum-packaged bamboo shoots typically last for a period of 1 to 2 years in your pantry if kept in a cool, dry place. However, always check the expiry date stamped on the package for an accurate timeline. Once opened, canned bamboo shoots should be used within a week and must be stored in the fridge in a well-sealed container, preferably not in the original can. Fresh bamboo shoots, a less common find in Western grocery stores but more so in Asia, need to be boiled and consumed within two days of purchase as they degrade fairly quickly. If you want to extend the life of boiled bamboo shoots, you can store them in a clean container filled with fresh water in the fridge for up to one week, changing the water daily. Bamboo shoots can also be safely frozen for several months.
How do you tell if bamboo shoot is bad?
For fresh bamboo shoots, look for browning, drying, or an unpleasant smell. With canned or packaged bamboo shoots, any bloating of the package, leakage, or rusting on the can are signs of spoilage. If the can hisses or spurts upon opening, that's a bad sign too. Inside, if the shoots look greyish or have an off-putting smell, don't consume them. Lastly, anything that tastes overly sour or unusually mushy should not be eaten.
Tips for storing bamboo shoot to extend shelf life
• Always store canned bamboo shoots in a cool, dry place.
• Once the can is open, transfer the bamboo shoots to an airtight container before storing in the refrigerator, avoid leaving them in the original can. This prevents metal leaking into your food.
• A good practice for storing fresh bamboo shoots is to cover them with water in an airtight jar, changing the water daily.
• Consider freezing your bamboo shoots if you can't consume them in the proper time frames, blanch them and then freeze for several months
• Never consume bamboo shoots raw. Always boil them before use as this helps to remove potential toxins and the bitterness.