Hoa Binh province, a mountainous province in the northwest of Vietnam, is renowned for its unique cultural characteristics of various ethnic groups in the region. It is also well-known for its precious specialties, and among them, Mai Chau Hoa Binh dried bamboo shoots stand out.
Bamboo shoots, a mountainous delicacy hailing from the picturesque province of Hoa Binh in Northwestern Vietnam, stand as a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage and the abundance of natural resources found in its lush landscapes.
Harvested annually between May and June, locals from Hoa Binh venture into the forests to gather these tender bamboo shoots. Beyond being a seasonal treat, bamboo shoots play a vital role in the local cuisine, offering a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of the mountainous terrain.
Every year, around May and June, locals in Hoa Binh often gather in the forest to harvest bamboo shoots. Bamboo shoots have long become a familiar dish, like a vegetable, to the people here. Not only do they consume fresh bamboo shoots, but they also process them into dried bamboo shoots to store for later use when bamboo shoots are scarce.
Fresh bamboo shoots are harvested, cleaned, and thoroughly boiled in a large pot over a wood fire to remove toxins. Then, they are shredded and taken for sun drying. The bamboo shoots are naturally sun-dried, and if the weather is favorable, they take on a beautiful yellowish color. If the weather is not favorable, they are dried over the kitchen hearth, resulting in a slightly brown color due to the kitchen smoke. Whether dried in the sun or over the kitchen hearth, Hoa Binh dried bamboo shoots still maintain their distinctive deliciousness that sets them apart from bamboo shoots in any other region.