Bamboo leaves are an essential ingredient for making traditional wrapped foods such as sticky rice dumplings (zongzi). Glutinous rice is mixed with flavorful fillings such as Chinese sausage, salted egg yolk, and pork and then stuffed inside layers of carefully folded bamboo leaves before being boiled or steamed. Bamboo leaves impart a refreshing tea-like flavor that is grassy with a hint of bitterness. They make for excellent wrappers in place of aluminum foil for steaming fish, meat, or vegetables on the grill or in the oven.
Uses: Soak bamboo leaves in hot water for an hour or until pliable. Use as a wrapper or liner for steamed, grilled, or boiled foods.