Banana blossom

Origins

Banana blossom is also known as the Banana male bud, Banana heart and Banana flower is part of the banana plant and considered to be an exotic vegetable. Banana blossoms are harvested along with bananas and were previously regarded as a waste item and discarded until recent years.

Characteristics

The colour varies from reddish orange to magenta and the flower is shaped like a tear or cone and grows at the end of the banana bunch on each banana tree.
The brightly coloured petals are packed tightly and uniformly enclosing the white fleshy interior structure.
Banana blossom does not taste like a mature banana fruit but more like a vegetable, with similarities to artichoke and palm hearts but with a slightly nutty/fruit flavour.

Banana Blossom Uses

Fresh Banana Blossom is used as a vegetable in South Asian and South East Asian cookery and requires certain preparation and soaking, sometimes to prevent the natural discolouration.

The outer darker purple leaves are referred to as the husk and is usually discarded or may be used as unique serving boats. The inner green leaves can be used in salads or enjoyed as you would the inner leaves of a cooked artichoke with perhaps a creamy dip or with some olive oil, lemon juice and salt.

The chunky and flaky texture of the inner Banana blossom has made it a popular choice as a vegan fish substitute in the UK. The tinned variety is sometimes used to prepare battered and deep-fried vegan style fish and may be served in the British traditional way with mushy peas, chips, and curry sauce.

Banana blossom is available commercially and packaged in retort pouches and tins and are usually packaged in a brine.

Banana Blossom Benefits

Banana blossom is known to be rich in fibre and is reported to contain many micronutrients and antioxidants to improve health and well-being.