All you need to know about Tripura’s immunity-boosting bamboo cookies

Tripura launched ‘bamboo cookies’ on Friday to commemorate World Bamboo Day and promote the production of locally cultivated bamboos. While these cookies are a popular delicacy in the North East, people of other states in India might be uninformed about it. Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Deb regarded the bamboo cookies as healthy and nutritious as they are produced naturally. At a time when bamboo shoots are being touted as an affordable immunity booster, Tripura’s introduction of bamboo cookies can boost the cultivation of what is considered as the best quality bamboo shoots in the country.

Bamboo cookies are made with the shoots of a remarkably thin and naturally sweet variety of bamboo called ‘muli’. The bamboo shoots are crushed and processed before being mixed with wheat flour, butter and a few other ingredients to make these cookies. This species of bamboo is considered a local delicacy in Tripura as it’s used as vegetables in curries and soups. However, they are easily perishable; therefore, adding them to cookies is one way to prolong their shelf-life. The bamboo cookies are a brainchild of Bamboo & Cane Development Institute (BCDI) in Tripura.

Bamboo cookies are not only tasty but also loaded with a myriad of health benefits. Muli bamboo shoots pack a lot of proteins, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibres while being low on fats. In fact, their storehouse of nutrients gives them immunity boosting capabilities. The bamboo cookies are also low on calories and sugar, thus making them an ideal choice for people who have diabetes. Bamboo shoots are also rich in phenols, that actively safeguards our body from phytosterols (a close relative of cholesterol) and cell damage. Bamboo shoots have long been used to treat gastric ulcers and asthma. It also regulates cardiovascular issues and hypertension. The sap of bamboo trees is also effective in healing skin ailments and chickenpox. As per the CM of the state, these bamboo cookies also have anti-virus, anti-cancerous and antibiotic qualities.

According to a conference paper presented in 11th World Bamboo Congress, Mexico in 2018, cookies fortified with bamboo shoots are rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients. They are capable of significantly improving the antioxidant levels of the cookies, thus making them a better option to indulge in when compared to commercially available and mass-produced cookies. In fact, cookies made with oven-dried bamboo flour showed more nutritional levels when compared to regular wheat flour cookies. As per research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, having bamboo shoots fortified biscuits can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol while enhancing appetite.

The initiative was launched to promote bamboo plantations and generate local employment across the state. To increase the sale of bamboo cookies, they will be covered in ‘Risa’, which is the local handmade attire of the Tripuri community. At the time when good immunity and health have gained a lot of importance, these bamboo cookies can boost overall well-being as well. The state produces many varieties of bamboo, including Muli in abundance. Bamboo products are a good way to provide additional income to local tribes and communities who grow them.

Tripura also launched bamboo bottles in addition to bamboo cookies. The idea behind the bottles is to store locally produced honey. In this way, two of the state’s produce and local employment can be promoted. Previously, the government had also launched bamboo bottles that have made a mark on the national market. Bamboo bottles are a refreshing and eco-friendly change from the harmful single-use plastic ones. Bollywood celebrities including Manoj Bajpayee and Raveena Tondon have showed interest in the artisanal bamboo bottles.

Note: All images are for representation purpose only.