Nemagari Bamboo

Takenoko, or the bamboo shoot, is a symbol of spring in Japan. Bamboo shoots have a unique flavor and are widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Typically, takenoko refers to Moso bamboo. Nemagari bamboo is the young shoot of sasa bamboo and is smaller and thinner. Nemagari bamboo is tender with less bitterness and just as flavorful as moso bamboo. In Aomori, takenoko typically refers to nemagari bamboo.
It is excellent in nimono, aemono (dressed salads), and tempura. Nemagari bamboo sugata-yaki is a dish in which the bamboo shoot is grilled as is. It has a superb aroma and texture.
Essential in the local cuisine, nemagari bamboo is also used in country-style dishes such as kenoshiru, Aomori ginger miso oden, and izushi with salmon and bamboo shoots.