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What is a Banana Flower?

S. N. Smith
S. N. Smith

The banana flower is a large, dark purple-red blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. Its sizable bracts, or leaves, snugly enclose delicate, sweetly scented male flowers. The female flowers, which do not require fertilization to become fruit, grow farther up the stem from the male flowers.

The banana flower is treated in several Asian and tropical cuisines as a vegetable. It is known in Japan as banana no tsubomi, in Thailand as dok kluai, in Indonesia as jantung pisang, in China as shang chao fua, in Sri Lanka as kehel mal, and in India as kere kafool. These terms are variously translated as “banana blossom,” “banana heart,” due to the flower's physical resemblance to that organ, or “plantain blossom.”

A banana flower blossom.
A banana flower blossom.

Once the tougher, darker outer bracts are pulled away, the paler and more tender inner leaves are used in a number of dishes, prepared in a variety of ways. A fresh, tender banana flower may be sliced and served raw, as in Thailand, where it is often accompanied by the hot and spicy dip called nam prik. It is also served simmered in soup or fried with thin noodles.

Banana flowers are eaten in several Asian cuisines.
Banana flowers are eaten in several Asian cuisines.

Other Asian and Indian cuisines add the sliced banana flower to meat stews, stir-fries, soups, and rice or noodle combinations. It is also used in cold salads, with the salad mixture presented to the diner in one of the large purple-red outer bracts.

Short of plucking them directly from banana plants, look for banana flowers in Asian and Indian markets. When choosing a flower, select one that is firm and fresh looking, with no wilting. The outer bracts should overlap tightly, have good coloring, and be free from visible blemishes or cuts. If not to be used right away, the banana flower may be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.

The banana flower is believed to help with painful menstruation.
The banana flower is believed to help with painful menstruation.

Many cooks familiar with this material suggest wearing gloves or coating the hands with cooking oil prior to working with it. The cut ends of the flower leak a sap that will stain skin and other surfaces black. The precaution of rubbing the hands with cooking oil makes cleanup easier.

The entire banana flower may be steamed whole. The tough outer bracts are removed first, then the flower is steamed for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until tender. If desired, the flower may be steamed in the microwave. Place the cleaned and trimmed banana flower on a microwave-safe plate with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for five minutes at a time, until tender. When the banana flower is cool enough to handle, unwrap and slice.

Banana flowers are considered to be a good source of vitamins A and C. It is traditionally believed to be beneficial as a lactating agent, and is also believed to help relieve painful menstruation.

Discussion Comments

anon997799

Does the banana flower sap have latex just like in roof sealant?

anon146284

I had never heard of banana flower before. I am from Europe.

FirstViolin

Can anybody tell me where to find organic banana flower supplements?

rallenwriter

I'm not sure about the banana flower benefits, but I once visited a banana plantation and tried the best banana flower vada.

Banana flower vada or vadai, are banana flower fritters, and they are delicious!

The way you make them is actually not too hard.

You take a whole stalk of banana flower, some channa dhal, two onions, several red and green chillies, some cumin, turmeric, and curry leaves.

You soak the channa dhal and then grind it into a paste with the red chillies. You then take the inner white flowers from the banana flower along with their stems, cut them into pieces and place them in the turmeric.

Boil the florets for about 15 minutes, then set aside.

Finally, you mix everything together and add it to the channa dhal, then form it into balls and deep fry it -- fantastic!

I'm not sure about how good banana flower vada nutrition is, what with the deep frying and everything, but it's super-tasty!

musicshaman

How interesting -- I had heard that a lot of tropical flowers like banana flowers and passion flowers were great for nutrition, but I never knew exactly what they were good for.

Thanks for cluing me in!

anon22831

what are the components present in banana flower?

Banana flower helps to reduce menstrual pain, How?

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    • A banana flower blossom.
      By: nbriam
      A banana flower blossom.
    • Banana flowers are eaten in several Asian cuisines.
      By: Swapan
      Banana flowers are eaten in several Asian cuisines.
    • The banana flower is believed to help with painful menstruation.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      The banana flower is believed to help with painful menstruation.
    • Banana flowers should be stored in a refrigerator.
      By: Elenathewise
      Banana flowers should be stored in a refrigerator.
    • Sliced banana flowers may be added to salads.
      By: msheldrake
      Sliced banana flowers may be added to salads.