The banana plant is one of the most amazing plants. Did you know that almost every part of the banana plant has a purpose?
Banana Leaves
Banana leaves are used as plates. This is as organic as it gets and some say the medicinal properties of the banana leaf enters into the food for good health. Avoid plastic plates and start using banana leaves as plates and see the difference for yourself and of course you are doing your little part to save our environment as well!
Banana Stem
The inner stem of the banana plant (called valai tand in Southern India, where its a popular dish) makes delicious stir fry and curries. I will be updating a video soon with how to harvest and use the banana stem.
Banana Flowers
Video showing banana flower harvest:
Banana flowers are not only delicious but also very healthy. See recipe below which is an South Indian recipe shared by a friend of mine. Most of the ingredients are available in Indian Grocery stores.
Ingredients:
Banana florets (flowers) from 1 bud - cleaned and de-weeded (the pollen stalk - also known as kalan, has to be removed) and cut into small pieces. Its very important to remove this to avoid a bitter taste.