Bamboo can be eaten for a variety of projects, such as furniture or flooring.Before it can be eaten, bamboo needs to be blanched and peeled.It is necessary to cure mature bamboo with heat to prevent mold.You can enjoy bamboo regardless of what you use it for.
Step 1: The start of the dry season is when bamboo can be Harvested.
During the wet seasons bamboo is more difficult to cut and could cause splitting.The bamboo is easier to harvest during the fall and winter.The starches will still be in the roots at that time, so start your harvest before sunrise.
Step 2: Shoots less than 15 cm tall with a wide base can be chosen.
The bamboo patch has shorter shoots on the outer edge.Shoots that are soft to the touch could mean they are sick.Don't use bamboo that has visible mold, fungi, or cracks.
Step 3: You can harvest bamboo with loppers if it's less than 1.5 in thick.
The widest range of motion can be achieved by holding the loppers near the end of the handles.If the bamboo is not damaged, open them and close them slowly.The bamboo should be cut as close to the ground as possible.Any gardening store can sell them.The bamboo stalks could be damaged if the loppers are closed too fast.
Step 4: The base should be dug with a shovel to get the entire shoot.
The blade of the shovel should be put into the ground underneath the shoot.To loosen the shoot and dirt, push the shovel handle down.Pull the shoot from the ground once the dirt is loose.Pull the shoot sideways with your hands.They may be able to be pulled by hand.
Step 5: The skin of the bamboo should be removed.
Use a paring knife to cut into the bamboo's outer skin, but don't cut all the way through the shoot.Remove the outer layer of the shoot.Fresh bamboo only lasts for a couple of days.You can cut the shoots in any size that is convenient for you.
Step 6: Shoots are Blanch over medium heat.
In a large pot, use 3 g of salt for every 1 cup of water.Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down.It helps remove the bitter flavor.The shoots can be stored in salted water for up to 5 days.The blanched shoots should be put in a jar of salted water with 3 grams of salt per cup of water.Place the jar in the fridge and label the date you prepared the bamboo.The shoots can be frozen in salted water.
Step 7: There are culms that are between 3 and 5 years old.
There are red spots on stalks with a lime-green color.Older bamboo stalks are near the center of your bamboo patch while newer shoots are outside.The stalks can be tapped with a pen or finger.Older bamboo will sound hollower and metallic while younger stalks will have a deeper noise.The bamboo is growing.Old bamboo has many branches while young bamboo only has 1 or 2 branches.
Step 8: Cut thicker bamboo stalks with a hacksaw.
Place the blade of the saw against the bamboo and use a back and forth motion to cut through it.You can get the cleanest cut through the bamboo by using a sharp saw.Hacksaws can be purchased at hardware stores or online.It is easier to cut through bamboo with hacksaws than it is with regular saws.
Step 9: Use a chainsaw to cut bamboo quickly.
Start your chainsaw and hold it close to the bamboo you want to harvest.Use consistent pressure to push the saw through the bamboo.Gloves and safety glasses are required when operating a chainsaw.The chain on the saw will be dulled faster by cutting bamboo.Make sure you know which direction you want the bamboo to fall so you don't have to worry.
Step 10: From the ground, make a cut above the first or second side.
The bamboo stalks have bands around them.Water can run off the culm if it is cut at an angle.Bamboo that has been cut can grow again.
Step 11: Take the branches and leaves out.
Use a saw or knife to cut away any growths on the main stalks of your bamboo.The main culm of bamboo should be cut as close to it as possible.
Step 12: You can use a blowtorch or grill as a source of heat.
Make sure the flame is at least 120 C and the interior oils come to the surface of the bamboo stalks.Caution should be used when working with an open flame.The bamboo stalks can get very hot if you don't wear gloves.You can use a gas grill or a charcoal grill.
Step 13: In back and forth strokes, apply heat to the end of the bamboo.
Start at one end of the stalks and work your way up.As the oils rise to the surface, the bamboo will turn from green to dark green.The bamboo can be cleaned by heating it.
Step 14: The oil should be wiped off with a towel.
After 10 seconds of heating the bamboo, use a microfiber towel to wipe the oil from the stalks.As the oil rises to the surface, the bamboo will look shiny.You can protect yourself from the heat by folding the towel in half.
Step 15: The bamboo will turn a brownish color if you work with the heat.
Keep heating and wiping the bamboo.Continue heating and curing the bamboo until you get the color you want.Cured bamboo will be protected from pests.