Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world; some varieties can grow up to three feet daily. Considered invasive in some parts of the United States, it is embraced in Latin America and Asia for its use in architecture, fashion and food. In this episode, we’ll chat with Hans Friederich, the former director of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization; Momoko Nakamura, a food educator and storyteller in Japan; Kevindra Soemantri, a food journalist in Indonesia; and Hui Ting Tsai, a bamboo weaver in Taiwan.

Topics covered in this episode:


Min 0:17: Meet Hans Friedrich

Min 2:27 The enormous potential of bamboo

Min 6:17: Growing bamboo in Europe

Min 7:38: Meet Hui Ting Tsai

Min 7:45: Weaving and eating bamboo in Taiwan

Min 9:30: Meet Momoko Nakamura

Min 10:10: Bamboo used in dining and cooking in Japan

Min 13:25: Diminishing craft 

Min 16:01: Meet Kevindra Soemantri

Min 16:24: Ways people use bamboo in Indonesia

Min 19:17: Different perspectives on bamboo



Climate Cuisine is part of Whetstone Radio Collective. Learn more about this episode of Climate Cuisine at www.whetstoneradio.com, on IG and Twitter at @whetstoneradio, and YouTube at /WhetstoneRadio.

Guests: Hans Friederich (@gozohans), Hui Ting Tsai (@bamboo_says_2020), Momoko Nakamura (@_momoko_nakamura_), Kevindra Soemantri (@kevindrasoemantri)