Differences in the “egumi” taste of moso-bamboo shoots: research using chemical analysis and two types of taste sensors

Abstract We conducted our research with the aim of determining whether the “egumi” taste of moso-bamboo shoots differs depending on the production area and how the “egumi” taste of bamboo shoots from Yamagata Prefecture, which is near the northern limit of cultivation, differs. The investigation was conducted using conventional chemical analysis methods to quantitatively evaluate the presence and content of homogentisic acid and oxalic acid in bamboo shoots from different regions. In addition, qualitative evaluation, for which chemical analysis alone is insufficient, was conducted using taste sensors, which have rarely been used. As a result, chemical analysis showed that homogentisic acid was not identified among the two substances considered to be major components of egumi taste, while oxalic acid was identified in all samples. Therefore, it is highly likely that oxalic acid is responsible for the “egumi” taste in this study. In addition, qualitative analysis using taste sensors revealed that there is a difference in “egumi” taste depending on the origin of the bamboo shoot. It was suggested that bamboo shoots from Yamagata Prefecture, near the northern limit of cultivation, had a stronger “egumi” taste than those from Kyoto and Fukuoka Prefectures.