Traditional Tribal Food “Bamboo Shoot”
Bamboo has been inextricably linked with humans since time immemorial.
Tribes insight: Bamboo has been inextricably linked with humans since time immemorial. Bamboos are well-known for their industrial applications, but a lesser-known fact about them is that their young shoots can be consumed fresh, fermented, or canned. The young shoots are not only tasty, but also high in nutrients, primarily proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fibre, and low in fat and sugars. Furthermore, they contain phytosterols and a high amount of fibre, allowing them to be labelled as nutraceuticals or natural medicines, which are gaining popularity among health advocates and scientists alike. The shoots are free of residual toxicity and can grow without the use of fertilisers.
Bamboo shoots have been found to have a variety of health benefits, including improved appetite and digestion, weight loss, and the treatment of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The shoots have anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Because of the presence of phenolic compounds, shoots have antioxidant capacity.
Bamboo shoots (Karadi) in Western and South Odisha
The traditional food (desi Khana) of western Odisha is karadi or karida (bamboo shoot). It is mostly popular in Western and South Odisha. It is available in markets during the bamboo sprouting season. As the monsoon approaches, the natives yearn for Kardi.
People begin by gathering new baby bamboo shoots (baunsa gaja) from the forest. They chopped them and soaked them in water for 4-5 days to soften the bamboo shoots. This is now known as “Karadi” or “kardi.”
It is now common to find strong-smelling “karadi” being sold by the roadside in towns and markets. And, surprisingly, they vanished within a few hours of arriving in markets. Because Karadi is only available once a year. They are constantly in demand.
Popular Karadi Recipes
People prepare a variety of foods using Karadi (Bamboo Shoots).
1. Ambil is made with this ingredient (a sour vegetable soup)
2. Karadi saga (Pumpkin and Karadi Leaves)
3. Pickle, Karadi ( Karadi Achara)
4. Bhaja, Karadi ( Fried Bamboo shoots)
5. Pancake Jhuri Karadi Karadi
6. Hendua (Dried chopped bamboo shoots)
According to some tribal women, the ‘Karadi’ has greatly aided them in earning a living during the coronavirus pandemic.
The people of western and south Odisha are the best at using ‘Karadi’ in their cooking. While its pickle is popular, housewives keep it in dried form to use during the off season. It is used in the preparation of a wide range of delectable foods. When they have guests, housewives enjoy serving ‘Karadi’ pickle and other items.
