Nutritive value of tender shoots of different bamboo species in relation to harvesting height in mid-hills of north-western Himalayas

Recognizing the importance of bamboos in human life and the knowledge gap concerning the nutritional value of tender bamboo shoots harvested at different heights; the current study was carried out by taking seven bamboo species (Dendrocalamus asper, D. hamiltonii, D. giganteus, Melocanna baccifera, Bambusa balcooa, Phyllostachys bambusoides and P. pubescens) at four harvesting heights (15±2, 20±2, 25±2 and 30±2 cm) in the mid-hills of north-western Himalayas. The findings revealed that the physical, nutritional, and anti-nutritional attributes of fresh tender shoots of bamboo species varied markedly with harvesting height. The maximum moisture content (92.66%), potassium (K) (526.62 mg 100 g−1) and calcium (Ca) (17.88 mg 100 g−1) were recorded in D. hamiltonii, while low in ascorbic acid (2.35 mg 100 g−1) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (44.78 mg 100 g−1) content. Similarly, the highest fat (0.46%) and ash (1.24%) recorded in M. baccifera while protein (3.16%), edible per cent (49.95%) and shoot weight (669.35 g) in P. pubescens, D. asper and D. giganteus, respectively. P. bambusoides had the maximum carbohydrate (4.74%) but lowest in antioxidant activity (41.99%). Similarly, D. asper had the maximum phosphorus (P) content (39.91 mg 100 g−1) while low in total phenols (1.23 mg 100 g−1). Overall, the level of nutritional traits viz., protein, ash, antioxidant, ascorbic acid, P, and Ca decreases with increasing harvesting height, whereas carbohydrates, K, HCN, and total phenol content increases. For edible use, the bamboo species should be chosen based on the need for a specific nutritional trait, preferably at 15±2 cm in height