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We all know what bananas are. This humble fruit is easily available in the market throughout the year. Whenever it comes to weight gain, the first thing that comes to our mind is having a banana shake. Apart from helping gain weight, it comes with several other benefits too. Bananas are power packed with fiber and contains so many vitamins and minerals. Bananas have several antioxidants, phytonutrients, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6.
Bananas come in several types and sizes. Their colour generally ranges from yellow to green and even red. Not just are bananas loaded with so many health benefits but also used in so many dishes and desserts too. Of course, we all eat bananas, but did you know that not just banana fruit, other parts of banana plant are also used in cooking? Let us know more about it.
Banana Flowers
Banana flowers are not just used in Indian cuisine but many other cuisines across the world. It could be eaten raw as well as cooked. Power packed with potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and a lot more, banana flowers taste starchy and bitter but when soaked in lemon juice, their taste changes. Banana flower, or banana blossom, is a traditional remedy for menstrual cramps. Banana flowers are used in making the traditional Bengali ‘mochar ghonto’ enjoyed with rice and ghee.
Banana Stem
Yes, you read that right. Banans stems are edible and are too tasty. They are loaded with vitamin B6 and potassium and give positive results when it comes to controlling high blood pressure and keeping cholesterol in check. Banana stem is a local ingredient in Tamil Nadu and used in making so many dishes. It is the star ingredient in ‘davva aava koora’, a famous Andhra delight.
Image: Banana stem
Banana Peels
You always throw away banana peels, isn’t it? But they are edible too. Banana peels, especially raw bananas, are used in making the green moong dal kootu. Not just this, Bengali dish ‘kanchakalar khosha bata’ is also made using raw banana peels and relished a lot. Banana peels are also used in making some savoury chips. Amazing, isn’t it?
Banana Leaves
Banana leaves have been known to us since time immemorial. Since a very long time, we have been using banana leaves to serve food. Especially on Onam Sadhya, the food is served and consumed on a banana leaf. But did you know that this is not just a tradition but associated with health benefits too? Yes, banana leaves are high in antioxidants, and it benefits the body in several ways. Apart from serving food, banana leaves are used for cooking and steaming food, especially fish.
Image: Banana leaves
Did you know about this? Do let us know!
