Screening and evaluation of bamboo shoots: Comparing the content of trace elements from 100 species

Hundreds of bamboo shoots have been reported to be edible, but the accumulation of trace elements and hazardous elements in bamboo shoots is poorly understood. Here, 100 bamboo species have been evaluated by screening elements including B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and As in bamboo shoots using different assessment systems. Bamboo shoots displayed different morphological characteristics, and large differences were found in the concentration of elements. Most bamboo shoots were rich in Fe and Zn and low concentrations of hazardous elements, but the concentration of Cd and Pb exceeded the maximum permissible limits of tuber vegetables in some bamboo species. Different bamboo shoots were ranked differently in the four assessment systems, and the comprehensive evaluation assigned final scores to all 100 bamboo shoots. This study provides valuable recommendations for selecting high-quality bamboo shoots that are rich in trace elements nutrition while minimizing the potential for hazardous element accumulation.