PLANTAIN FLOWER/BANANA BLOSSOM

     Almost every part of a Banana Tree is useful. Bananas, the Stem and Banana Blossoms can be eaten, Banana Leaf can be used to serve, cook and decorate food & the Bark of the Banana Tree is used to make threads and papers. Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom is an edible part of Banana Tree.  Nutritious and equally tasty ingredient can be converted into to mouthwatering and nutritious dishes including  Vazhaipoo Vadai, Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai, Vazhaipoo Dosai/Adai, Vazhaipoo Poriyal, Vazhaipoo Kootu, Vazhaipoo Usili, Vazhaipoo Kuruma etc., Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom can be used in Salads, Soups and Stir-fries, even some Pad Thai recipes use Banana Blossoms in it.
     If you have a lot of patience and all the more if you are health conscious, then Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom/Vazhaipoo would prove fruitful for your meticulous effort. Vazhaipoo - Plantain Flower is rather one item usually neglected in most of the kitchen.
    The major reason behind any of the Banana/Plantain/Plantain Flower/Stem Recipes is the Banana Tree in my backyard.  Whenever a whole lot shoots up, the first thing I do is to devour the wonderful smell of Plantain Flower.  It is an exotic smell, I love the most, then comes the nectar from the blossoms. I wait until all the Bananas sprout out from the flower until they are fully formed and then I cut the Plantain Flower from the tree. Recently, I have never bought them from Market recently.
     You literally need some time and patience to clean and prepare Plantain Flower.  But according to me, it is not a messy job, except that you may get your hands stained due to the black sap in Banana Blossoms.  Rub your hands with some oil or use a glove before handling the blossoms.

HOW TO CLEAN A PLANTAIN FLOWER/BANANA BLOSSOM/VAZHAIPOO

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A BANANA BLOSSOM :

• Select a firm one with tightly packed petals.
• The Blossom should be Purplish Red in colour.
• Make sure it is not wilted off or decayed.
• If storing in a refrigerator wrap it up with a cling/plastic wrap.

 

CLEANING :

     The Purplish Leaf like part of the Blossom is called the 'Bracts'. First, peel of the bracts, beneath these you can see a row of delicate light-yellow coloured Florets.  Remove the florets and immediately soak them in an acidic water to avoid discolouration and bitterness. Continue to peel the bracts and remove the florets until you see a pale yellow coloured centre portion once the leaves become too small to peel. Trim the stem and discard it. Once sliced it will produce a sticky white sap. Finely chop them or cut them into the desired shape to suit your recipe and immerse it immediately in acidic water and let sit for 30 minutes to remove the bitter sap and avoid browning.
     What you need to clean are the light -yellow colour florets.  We have to remove the thin sticks in the centre called Pistils and the outermost small scale like petal called Calyx.  Remove the Pistils and the Calyx from the florets. Soak the cleaned florets in an acidic water for at least 30 minutes.  Before using them rinse in cold water, drain and squeeze out excess water.

SOAKING IN ACIDIC WATER :

Banana Blossom - 1 No.
Cold Water - 4 Cups.

Any Acidic Medium :

Salt - 1 Tbpsn/Lemon - 1/4 Cup/Vinegar - 1/4 Cup

• Simply soak the cleaned florets in Salted Water.
• Instead of Salt can also add Lemon Juice/Vinegar.
• Soaking the cleaned florets in Acidic water will avoid discolouration and bitterness.

     Once the Blossoms are cleaned, the job gets much easier.  Finely chop them or grind it or use the florets as such and use them in your recipe.

RECIPES WITH PLANTAIN FLOWER/BANANA BLOSSOM/VAZHAIPOO

Vazhaipoo Dosai

Vazhaipoo Kola Urundai

Vazhaipoo Vadai- Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom Fritters

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTAIN FLOWER/BANANA BLOSSOM/VAZHAIPOO

     Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom is starchy and bitter in taste. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A. They are loaded with Fibre, Protein, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Phosphorus, Iron & Magnesium. It is included in the diet as the vegetable and regular consumption proves beneficial in many ways.  These pretty flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and added to salads, soups, stir-fries, fritters, dosas, curries and herbal teas.

Plantain Flower/Banana Blossom offers varied health benefits :

• Proves beneficial for Diabetic Patients.
• The Sap in the Banana Blossoms induces digestion and controls bloating.
• It is easily digestible and maintains a health gastro-intestinal health.
• Banana Blossoms can regulate Menstrual Bleeding.
• It also helps to maintain a healthy Uterus 
• Banana Blossoms improves lactation in breastfeeding mothers
• It also helps to get rid of infections.
• Banana Blossoms can prevent anaemia.
• They are rich in anti-oxidants.
• It helps to prevent Cancer and heart disorders.
• Banana Blossom also prevents Neural Disorders
• They are natural anti-depressants.

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DISCLAIMER: 

     Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.