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labong

labóng with stress marks

edible bamboo shoot

noun la-BONG Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Labong is a prized ingredient in Filipino cooking, harvested young before the bamboo shoot hardens. It is commonly used in sinigang, adobo, and other stews, and is associated with provincial home cooking. Fresh labong must be boiled to remove bitterness.

Examples

Beginner

" Masarap ang labong. "

Natural Translation

Bamboo shoots are delicious.

Literal Translation

Delicious the bamboo-shoot.

Intermediate

" Kumain siya ng labong. "

Natural Translation

He/She ate bamboo shoots.

Literal Translation

Ate he/She of bamboo-shoot.

Advanced

" Bago lutuin ang labong, kailangan munang pakuluan ito para mawala ang pait nito. "

Natural Translation

Before cooking the bamboo shoots, you first have to boil them so the bitterness goes away.

Literal Translation

Before cook the bamboo-shoot, need first boil it so disappear the bitterness its.

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