Meadows and More forages the yellow groove variety bamboo shoots in groves in NJ and PA. Bamboo has been planted in the United States for ornamental purposes and has now spread invasively into wild areas. In the springtime, the bamboo will send out fresh shoots which grow and form woody groves. Cutting the shoots helps control the spread, as well as provides a tasty and healthy vegetable. While many species of bamboo exist, some contain bitter compounds and cyanogenic toxins, and are not edible. Fortunately, the yellow groove bamboo is sweet and crunchy. Though it should be cooked before eating, it lends itself to a variety of preparations- sauteed, grilled, fermented, or lightly boiled and pickled. This fresh bamboo is far superior to the bamboo shoots you can find more commonly in a can. Preparation Tip: To prepare fresh bamboo shoots, slice them lengthwise and peel away the tough outer sheath to reveal the tender core inside.