Bamboo on your plate: KFRI brings a nutritious forest treasure to everyday diet

A crunchy, nutrient-rich revolution is under way, and it is rooted deep in Kerala’s forests. The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has developed bamboo shoot-based flakes and powder, a step that could bring one of nature’s most overlooked superfoods to kitchen shelves across the country.

Bamboo shoots, long cherished in the cuisines of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, are now being given a new form for South Indian palates, thanks to the efforts of a team led by R. Jayaraj, Principal Scientist at KFRI. “The goal is not just nutritional innovation, but also creating value-added products that are sustainable and farmer-friendly,” according to Dr. Jayaraj.

The products are made from tender bamboo shoots (locally called mulan koombu), which are harvested, processed to remove moisture, and then converted into flakes and powder without losing their natural nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and low in fat, these bamboo products support digestion and help regulate body weight, according to the scientists.

High fibre content

With their mild flavour and texture, bamboo flakes and powder can be blended into bakery items like biscuits, breads, and healthy snacks. What’s more, the high fibre content and nutritional properties make it an excellent dietary addition for health-conscious consumers.

But despite their promise, these products are still in their early stages of market penetration. Lack of awareness among public about the nutritional properties of the product is a challenge. The scientists also face the hurdles in raw material sourcing and lack of commercial-scale partners to take this forward.

However, the potential for rural impact is enormous. Commercialising bamboo-based food products could open new income streams for bamboo cultivators, particularly in tribal and forest-adjacent communities. The KFRI believes this innovation could also boost bamboo cultivation in Kerala.

At conclave

As part of its push to scale the initiative, the KFRI will present these bamboo-based products at an upcoming Research and Development conclave hosted by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment on August 7 in Thiruvananthapuram.

In a world turning toward nature for answers to modern health problems, bamboo may soon go from forest floor to dining table, ushering in a greener, healthier tomorrow.