Bamboo harvesting in Vietnam — From variety selection to processing and preservation

Bamboo belongs to the grass family (Poaceae), subfamily Bambusoideae. Vietnam has over 200 bamboo species, the most common being tre gia (Bambusa bambos), luong (Dendrocalamus barbatus), nua (Neohouzeaua dullooa), may (Bambusa nutans), and truc (Phyllostachys). Bamboo is a giant grass that can reach 20-30 m in height with a trunk diameter of 8-15 cm. Bamboo grows from underground rhizomes and produces new shoots each year.

Each type of bamboo has different characteristics. Bambusa bambos is hard and thick, suitable for construction and making interior furniture. Dendrocalamus barbatus has a large stem, used for house posts, partitions. Phyllostachys is slender, flexible, suitable for making handicrafts, bright, clear. Neohouzeaua is small, flexible, used for mats, baskets. Determine the purpose before harvesting to choose the right type.

Mature bamboo (3-5 years old) is best for harvesting. Identification signs: the trunk skin is dark green or yellowish green, the white silica powder coating on the outside has faded, the cross-section is hard and dense, and leaves are smaller and fewer than young bamboo. Bamboo 1-2 years old is bright green, soft-stemmed, with full foliage — it should not be harvested. Bamboo over 6 years old begins to decay from the inside.

Harvest bamboo shoots in the dry season (October-February in the North, December-April in the South) when water content and starch levels in the shoots are lowest. Bamboo shoots harvested in the rainy season contain a lot of water and sugar, making them susceptible to insects and mold. According to tradition, Vietnamese farmers harvest bamboo shoots on the last days of the waning moon, when shoots have the least sap. Scientific research confirms that starch content decreases in the dry season.

Prepare a sharp machete or hand saw. The traditional Vietnamese machete (dao rua) is the ideal tool — a heavy, sharp blade that can cut a bamboo trunk in a single stroke. Also bring rope or a cart for transportation. Wear protective gloves because bamboo bark contains silica, which easily causes scratches and infections.

Stake at a position on the upper surface of the first mound, 15-30 cm above ground level. Stake at a 45-degree angle so rainwater does not accumulate in the remaining corner (causing corner rot). Do not stake close to the ground as it will cause root rot and damage the root system below. When the tree begins to lean, gently push it back with your hand toward the side without people. Trees grow very quickly and heavily — always keep them on the safe side.