Can Bamboo be Eaten?
Most of the Phyllostachys species tend to have edible qualities. While some can be eaten raw, others must be cooked, changing the water at least twice to remove the bitter taste. Usually, the new shoots of edible bamboos appear in the spring (March, April, and May) in the United States. During that period, there is a 3-4 week window of opportunity for cutting them. It is recommended, though, that one surround the growing bamboo with a mound of soil, which would act to shelter the bamboo from direct sunlight, and thus keep the plant from bittering. The sheath surrounding the young shoot must be removed. The inner, tender shoot can then be cut in horizontal sections about 1/8″ thick. Finally, just cook for 20 minutes (if you are cooking a bitter variety, make sure to change the water after boiling for 10 minutes).
