Banana flower

Banana flower

  • +Description

    The banana flower is the flower of the banana plant and is native to the Andes mountains of Colombia.. The banana flower is a large, dark purple-red blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. If you open the inside, you can see small flowers that would turn into banana. The flavour is a little starchy and bitter, and is normally eaten as a complement to a dish.

  • +Availability

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available

    Banana flowers are available from Thailand

  • +Main nutrients

    Vitamin A and C.

Main varieties

  • Banana flower

    Banana flower

    The banana flower is a large, dark purple-red blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. If you open the inside, you can see small flowers that would turn into banana.

    View Banana flower

Preparation

Preparation

To prepare the flower for cooking, remove outer leaves until the inner portion is revealed. Some recipes advise steaming the whole blossom for 20 minutes or so before cutting into it. This may also be done in the microwave oven in a much shorter time by first putting the blossom on a dish and covering it with microwave-proof plastic wrap. Allow to cool before slicing. Wear gloves when cutting the flower, as it can give black stains. Now consume or further prepare the flower.

Consumption

Banana flowers are normally eaten as a complement to a dish as a side vegetable. The flower can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also fry or boil it.

When to eat

Eat flowers which look fresh and bright. Often they are wrapped in transparent plastic, this keeps them from drying out too quickly. Keep the flowers refrigerated and consume within a few days.

Did you know?

  • Banana flower is also called ‘Banana Heart’.
  • Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs of the same family as lilies, orchids and palms.
  • The word 'banan' is Arabic for finger.
 

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