Essential Amino Acids and Nutrients Found in Tender Bamboo Shoots and Products Available in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Bamboo is a versatile grass with multiple applications and yielding edible tender shoots. Juvenile shoots are a delicacy for many ethnic communities all over the globe and are rich in essential nutrients for human health. A study was conducted to identify the concentrations of essential amino acids viz. Lysine, Methionine, and Tryptophan with Crude protein, Crude fiber, and Carbohydrates in both fresh and processed tender shoots of seven commercial bamboo species available in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Concentrations of all nutritional parameters considered for this study are comparable with conventional foods and some values were higher in processed bamboo shoot products than those of fresh tender shoots. Findings of this study revealed that bamboo shoots and their processed products are highly nutritious which can provide opportunities in both nutritional as well as economic aspects to the people of the country in general and the state in particular. It may provide opportunities to combat poverty and hunger by opting for new readily available food sources and may also provide scope to overcome malnutrition, especially in the areas where it is widely prevalent.