is your cane a bit underseasoned,is it in fact still soggy from the bog,you have heard of kiln dried timber well if you are stuck with fresh cane then microwave each virgin slip for about 4-5 seconds,it works folks.
allan.
ssssss , 
pop !!! smells like corn on the cob . 
tastes like chicken!
tastes like chicken
Nooo… much more like bamboo shoots which does however go well with chicken 
John