I Tried Bamboo Murabba for a Month: My Honest Experience with This Unique Shoot Preserve
Let me be honest with you.
When I first heard about bamboo murabba, I thought someone was playing a joke on me.
Bamboo? The same plant that pandas eat? The tall green things that grow in forests? That bamboo?
How do you even turn bamboo into something sweet? And more importantly – why would you want to?
I asked my neighbor (yes, the same one who got me into this entire murabba journey) about it. She just smiled and said, "Try it once. You'll understand."
So I did. I bought a jar of bamboo murabba, also called bans ka murabba or baans ka murabba in Hindi. I tried it for a full month – not every day, but often enough to really understand it.
And you know what? My neighbor was right. Again.
Here is my completely honest experience trying bamboo murabba, why it's so different from every other murabba, and whether it's actually worth trying.
What Is Bamboo Murabba? (The "Is This Real?" Question)
Okay, let's start with the basics because I know you're confused.
Bamboo murabba is made from tender bamboo shoots – the young, soft sprouts that come out of the ground before they turn into hard, woody bamboo. These shoots are harvested when they're still tender, peeled, cut into pieces, and then cooked slowly in sugar syrup with spices.
The result? Bright green pieces that look almost like jewels, floating in sweet syrup, with a taste that's completely unlike anything else.
Some people call it bans ka murabba (bans = bamboo). Some search for "bamboo murabba in english" – it's the same thing. Bamboo shoot preserve.
The first time I saw it, I thought, "There's no way this tastes good." The second time I saw it, I thought, "Okay, but it looks beautiful." The third time, I bought it.
Why I Decided to Try Bamboo Murabba
Three reasons, actually:
1. My neighbor wouldn't stop talking about it
She said bamboo murabba is a traditional thing in some parts of India. Her grandmother used to make it. She said, "It's not sweet like other murabbas. It's different. Lighter. You'll like it."
2. I kept seeing it everywhere online
Every time I searched for murabba, bamboo murabba and bans ka murabba kept popping up. The search volumes were high. People were clearly looking for it. I had to know why.
3. The color got me
I'm not gonna lie – the bright green pieces in the jar are beautiful. They look like little emeralds. Even if it tasted weird, at least it would look pretty on my shelf.
So I ordered a jar online. (Local shops near me didn't stock it – bamboo murabba is harder to find than the common ones.)
My First Bite: The "Wait, This Is Bamboo?" Moment
The jar arrived. I opened it. The smell was... mild. Not strong like bel murabba, not fruity like mango. Just clean and slightly earthy.
I picked out a piece with a small fork. It was bright green, soft but firm, holding its shape perfectly.
First bite:
Okay. This is hard to describe.
It was sweet – yes, because it's murabba – but the sweetness was different. Lighter. Less intense than mango or amla. And underneath the sweetness, there was this... fresh taste. Almost like a vegetable, but not in a savory way. Clean. Slightly earthy. Refreshing.
The texture was the biggest surprise. It wasn't soft like cooked fruit. It had a slight crunch – not raw vegetable crunch, but a gentle resistance that gave way when you bit into it. Almost like a firm jelly, but natural.
I ate another piece. Then another.
By the time I looked up, I had eaten five pieces and I wasn't tired of it. That's the thing about bamboo murabba – it's so light that you can eat more without feeling like you've had too much sugar.
What Bamboo Murabba Tastes Like (A Real Description)
Describing bamboo murabba is hard because there's nothing else like it. But here is my best attempt:
Sweetness: Mild. Compared to mango or amla murabba, bamboo is much less sweet. The sugar is there, but it doesn't hit you in the face. It's gentle.
Flavor: This is the interesting part. The bamboo shoots themselves have a mild, slightly earthy taste – almost like fresh green beans or asparagus, but much milder. When cooked in sugar syrup, that flavor doesn't disappear. It just becomes... enhanced. Sweet, but still tasting like itself.
Texture: Unique. Soft but with a slight crunch. The bamboo pieces hold their shape perfectly and have a little resistance when you bite into them. Not mushy at all.
Freshness: The word I keep coming back to is "fresh." Bamboo murabba tastes clean and light, not heavy like some other preserves.
Aftertaste: Clean. No lingering sweetness. Just a mild, pleasant taste that makes you want another piece.
The "Bamboo Murabba for Height" Thing
Okay, let's address the thing everyone searches for.
I saw "bamboo murabba for height" and "bamboo murabba for height increase" in the keyword lists. People are clearly searching for this. So I did some research.
What people believe:
In some traditional medicine systems, bamboo shoots are believed to have nutrients that support growth and development. Calcium, silica, other minerals – all good for bones and overall health.
What I found:
Yes, bamboo shoots do contain nutrients. They have calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals . They're also a good source of fiber and have antioxidants.
Can it actually increase height?
Honestly? I'm not a doctor. But height is mostly determined by genetics and overall nutrition during growing years. Eating bamboo murabba alone probably won't make you taller. But as part of a healthy diet with good nutrition? Could it help support overall growth? Maybe.
My take:
If you're an adult like me, don't expect to grow taller. If you're giving it to growing children as a healthy snack? It's probably better than processed sweets. But manage your expectations.
One thing I will say – I did feel good eating it. Lighter, fresher, somehow cleaner. That counts for something.
How Bamboo Murabba Compares to Other Murabbas
After trying so many varieties, here is how bamboo stacks up:
Vs Aam Ka Murabba (Mango):
Mango is bold, fruity, instantly satisfying. Bamboo is subtle, mild, takes time to appreciate. Mango is the party. Bamboo is the quiet conversation.
Vs Amla Murabba:
Amla has that tangy kick. Bamboo has no kick – just gentle sweetness with an earthy undertone. Amla is for health with a punch. Bamboo is for refreshment with a whisper.
Vs Apple Murabba:
Apple is comfort food – familiar, sweet, no surprises. Bamboo is unfamiliar, unique, surprises you every time. Apple is what you eat when you want to feel safe. Bamboo is what you eat when you want to try something new.
Vs Carrot Murabba:
Carrot murabba tastes like sweet carrots with cardamom – familiar if you've eaten gajar ka halwa. Bamboo doesn't have that familiarity. It's completely its own thing.
Vs Bel Murabba:
Bel is complex, tangy, takes getting used to. Bamboo is simple, mild, easy to like from the start. Bel is the acquired taste. Bamboo is the gentle introduction to unusual murabbas.
Verdict: Bamboo murabba is the lightest, freshest, most refreshing of all the murabbas I've tried. It's not the most exciting, but it might be the one I reach for most often when I want something sweet but not heavy.
The Health Benefits (What I Learned)
Beyond the height thing, bamboo murabba has some real benefits:
Digestive health: Bamboo shoots are high in fiber, which is good for digestion . Eating a piece after meals actually felt helpful.
Low calorie: Compared to other murabbas, bamboo is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates . The shoots themselves are mostly water and fiber.
Nutrients: Bamboo shoots contain calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals . Also have antioxidants.
Cooling properties: Like bel, bamboo is considered cooling in traditional medicine. Good for summers.
No fat, no cholesterol: Bamboo shoots naturally have no fat or cholesterol .
Note: Like all murabbas, it has sugar. So moderation is still key. But if you're going to eat something sweet, bamboo murabba might be one of the lighter options.
Where to Buy Bamboo Murabba
This is the tricky part. Bamboo murabba is not as common as mango or amla. Here is where I found it:
Online (best option):
This is your best bet. Amazon and other sites have multiple options. Search for "bamboo murabba" or "bans ka murabba." Read reviews before buying.
Local sweet shops:
Hit or miss. In some regions (especially where bamboo grows naturally), local shops might carry it. Ask for "bans ka murabba." If they don't have it, they might know where to find it.
Specialty stores:
Some organic or natural food stores carry bamboo murabba, especially those focusing on traditional Indian foods.
Patanjali:
I checked – Patanjali does have bamboo murabba at some locations and online . Worth looking for if you trust the brand.
What to look for:
Bright green color (natural, not artificial)
Pieces should hold their shape, not be mushy
Clear syrup, not cloudy
Simple ingredients – bamboo shoots, sugar, spices
Check reviews for freshness
Price check:
Bamboo murabba is usually priced similarly to other murabbas – sometimes slightly higher because bamboo shoots are seasonal and need preparation. A 500g jar cost me around the same as amla murabba.
How I Eat Bamboo Murabba (My Favorite Ways)
After a month of experimenting, here is how I enjoy it most:
1. With morning tea
This is my favorite. The light sweetness of bamboo murabba pairs perfectly with hot tea. It doesn't overwhelm your taste buds first thing in the morning.
2. After heavy meals
Because it's light and refreshing, bamboo murabba is perfect after a heavy lunch or dinner. It satisfies the sweet craving without making you feel heavier.
3. Mixed in yogurt
You know I love this combination. Plain dahi with chopped bamboo murabba pieces. The slight crunch of bamboo with creamy yogurt? Amazing.
4. On hot summer days
Bamboo murabba is cooling. On a hot afternoon, a piece or two actually feels refreshing. Try it.
5. As a palate cleanser
Between strong flavors – like after eating something spicy – a piece of bamboo murabba cleanses your mouth perfectly.
6. Straight from the jar
Sometimes you just want something light and sweet. Open jar, take one piece, close jar. Repeat as needed.
The Texture Thing: Why It Matters
I keep coming back to the texture because it's such a big part of why I like bamboo murabba.
Most murabbas are soft. The fruit pieces cook down until they're tender and almost melt in your mouth. That's good. That's what you expect.
But bamboo murabba is different. The bamboo shoots keep their structure. They soften, yes, but they don't turn to mush. There's still a little resistance when you bite into them. A little crunch. A little chew.
It's incredibly satisfying. Like eating something that's sweet but also... substantial. Real.
If you're tired of mushy preserves, bamboo murabba will surprise you.
What to Look for in Good Bamboo Murabba
After trying a few different brands (and learning from mistakes), here is what matters:
1. Natural green color
Good bamboo murabba has a natural green color – not neon bright, not pale and dull. If it looks artificially colored, skip it.
2. The shoots should be tender
Bamboo shoots can be tough if they're too old. Good bamboo murabba uses tender young shoots that soften during cooking but don't get tough.
3. The pieces should be uniform
Good quality murabba has evenly cut pieces that cook evenly. If some pieces are hard and others are mush, quality is poor.
4. The syrup should be clear
Cloudy syrup can mean poor quality or overcooking. Good bamboo murabba has clear, slightly thick syrup.
5. Balance of sweetness
The bamboo flavor should come through. If all you taste is sugar, it's not good bamboo murabba.
6. No bitter aftertaste
Properly prepared bamboo shoots shouldn't be bitter. If you taste bitterness, the shoots weren't prepared correctly.
The Verdict: Is Bamboo Murabba Worth It?
After a full month of eating bamboo murabba, here is my honest opinion:
Do I like bamboo murabba? Yes. Very much. It wasn't love at first bite, but it became love by the fifth bite.
Is it my favorite murabba? It's in my top three. Mango for when I want bold flavor. Apple for comfort. Bamboo for when I want something light and refreshing. Each has its place.
Who should try bamboo murabba:
People who find other murabbas too sweet
Anyone looking for something unique and different
People who care about texture (the slight crunch is amazing)
Summer eaters who want something cooling
Food explorers who are tired of the same old jams and preserves
People searching for "bamboo murabba for height" (just manage expectations)
Anyone who wants a light, refreshing sweet snack
Who might not love it:
People who want bold, fruity flavors (stick to mango)
Anyone who expects all murabbas to taste like fruit
If you try bad-quality bamboo murabba (tough shoots, too sugary, artificial color) – don't judge the whole category
Would I buy it again? Already did. I now keep a jar in my kitchen at all times. It's my go-to when I want something sweet but not heavy.
A Note for Beginners
If you want to try bamboo murabba for the first time:
Don't expect fruit flavors – it's not mango or apple. It's its own thing
Pay attention to the texture – that's half the experience
Try it with tea – the combination is perfect
Give it a few tries – you might not love it immediately, but give it a chance
Start with a small jar – if you love it, buy more. If not, you haven't wasted money
What I Want to Try Next
My murabba journey continues. Here is what I am looking for now:
Different brands of bamboo murabba – to see how they compare
Fresh bamboo shoots – to understand what the raw ingredient tastes like
Homemade bamboo murabba – if I can find someone who makes it
If you have tried different bamboo murabba brands or know where to find good ones, tell me in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Bamboo murabba taught me something important.
Sometimes the most unusual things become your favorites. When I first heard about bamboo murabba, I laughed. It sounded ridiculous. Bamboo? In a sweet preserve?
But after a month of eating it, I get it. The lightness, the freshness, the unique texture, the way it pairs with tea on a quiet afternoon – it all makes sense now.
It's not the most exciting murabba. It's not the boldest or the sweetest or the most complex. But it might be the one I reach for most often when I just want something simple and good.
If you see bamboo murabba at a shop near you, buy a small jar. Don't expect mango. Don't expect apple. Just try it for what it is – a light, refreshing, unique preserve made from something you never expected to eat.
You might surprise yourself, just like I did.
And if you already love bamboo murabba? Tell me how you eat it. Tell me if you've tried different brands. Tell me if you've ever made it at home. I'm still learning, and I need all the advice I can get.
Have you tried bamboo murabba? Did it surprise you too? Comment below and let me know!
About the author: Former bamboo-skeptic, current bamboo-murabba enthusiast. The jar on my shelf is almost empty, and I'm ordering another one right after posting this.
P.S. – My neighbor was right. Again. I'm starting to think she's never wrong about murabba. Next up: whatever she recommends. I've learned my lesson.