Rattan shoots

Calamus spp.

vegetable

The heart of a climbing palm's young stems, frankly bitter, grilled or added to Lao soups.

Origin

Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, Philippines)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The thorny sheath is cut away with a knife to free the white heart, which is cut into lengths; it is eaten cooked.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

The same climbing palm gives rattan furniture: its shoots are eaten before they turn to wood.