Why source from Japan
Kyoto Tamba's mōsōchiku production carries place-of-origin premium; Japanese-domestic takenoko traceable supply differentiates from Chinese imports.
Key spec
Tyrosine elevated (gives umami); dietary fibre 2-3%; potassium 470-500 mg/100g; characteristic mountain-shoot aroma.
Typical end-product
Fresh kaiseki ingredient, bamboo-shoot pasta / risotto, plant-based meal-replacement input.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg fresh; 5–25 kg boiled / canned
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks (in season)
- Regions of origin
- Kyoto (Tamba), Fukuoka, Kagoshima
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- March – May (very brief)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; cultivation under JAS
- Japanese name
- 筍
- Romaji
- 筍
About this ingredient
Spring bamboo shoot — primarily Phyllostachys edulis (mōsōchiku), the most-consumed Japanese bamboo shoot variety. Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima are the principal production regions; Kyoto's mōsōchiku production carries 'Tamba Takenoko' regional positioning. Domestic Japanese production has been declining vs imported Chinese supply, but premium Tamba and Kyoto-region takenoko commands multiple-of-imported pricing. Used fresh, boiled, in nimono, and increasingly in vegan / plant-based meal-replacement product positioning. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; cultivation under JAS |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; phytosanitary certificate |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; phytosanitary |
| China | GACC; phytosanitary |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Takenoko (Bamboo Shoot) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05