You can often find fresh bamboo shoots in Asian food stores, but they’re not easy to prepare as they’re protected by many layers of overlapping, brown husk covered in fine, sharp hairs.

KITA-KYUSHU, Fukuoka Prefecture--Spring in Japan is not limited to enjoying sakura--it’s the perfect time to enjoy the taste of the season, “takenoko,” or bamboo shoots. Takenoko are being ...