Banana Flower
Banana flowers, also known as banana blossoms, are among the largest edible flowers in the world and are highly valued in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia and India. Each part of the banana flower is utilized differently: the outer red/purple petals are usually discarded due to their toughness, while the creamy, tender inner petals are used in a variety of dishes.
Culinary Uses and Preparation Methods
In Thai cuisine, banana flowers are often served fresh alongside noodle dishes such as Pad Thai and Mee Ka Tee (Thai/Lao Red Curry Noodle Soup), and sometimes incorporated into fish soups and salad. Their taste and texture are similar to artichokes, offering a unique, slightly nutty flavor and tender-crisp bite.
In Indian cuisine also use the banana hands, which are the clusters of immature bananas inside the flower. However, you must remove the pistils from each blossom as they are tart and bitter. The banana hands, if left on the tree, will eventually develop into full-sized bananas. Interestingly, banana flowers is a great ingredient for creating a vegan pulled pork alternative due to their fibrous texture.
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Preventing Oxidation and Storing Banana Flowers
One important consideration when preparing banana flowers is their tendency to oxidize and turn brown or black once the petals are detached from the main stem. To prevent this, I recommend to squeeze the juice from a whole lime into a bowl of water, and then submerge the cleaned and chopped petals in this acidic water until ready to use. This method is similar to how avocados are treated to prevent browning. For storage, wrap the whole flower tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They can stay fresh for 2-3 weeks, although the banana hands may turn black, which is acceptable as they are often not consumed.
Health Benefits and Accessibility
Banana flowers are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals, which helps to promote healthy digestion. Read more from healthline.com. Banana flowers can also be found online in canned versions, making them more accessible to those who may not have fresh banana flowers available locally. This convenience allows for a wider range of culinary experimentation with this unique and nutritious ingredient.
