Did you know that nearly every part of the banana plant, except its roots can be transformed into something delicious?

From flower to stem to leaf, this versatile plant plays a starring role in many Asian kitchens, offering a treasure trove of unique recipes.

Beyond its versatility, the banana plant is also a symbol of sustainability, offering nutrient-dense ingredients with minimal waste.

Nutritious, flavorful, and wonderfully sustainable, the banana plant has so much more to offer than just its fruit.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the nutritional value, health benefits, and culinary uses of its various parts, and finish with a wholesome recipe you can try at home.

Banana Blossom/Flower

Banana blossom is dark purple to red, tear-shaped flower. It can be used in making fritters, soups, stir fry dishes, or curries. It is cooked after removing the dark outer petals or bracts.

Banana flower benefits

It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.

Banana Stem

Banana stem is used in cooking after peeling its outer layers, chopping, and soaking in salt water for a short time. It is tender and nutritious. It contains a good amount of Vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. Banana stem is used in making curry, stew, soup, or juice.

The high fiber content in the banana stem cleanses the digestive system. It is also known to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Unripe/green Banana

Unripe Bananas are green in colour. They are high in dietary fiber and are good for digestive health. They are a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C and B6.

They are less sweet and are used in curries and stir-fried dishes.

Ripe Banana

Ripe banana is delicious and full of health benefits.

It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, copper, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, and folic acid. It supports gut health and is a good source of energy.

7 benefits of eating fruit everyday

You can eat it raw or mix it in smoothies. Mashed ripe banana is healthy baby food.

Banana Leaf

Banana leaves are large and flexible. They are used in cooking, wrapping, and serving food in Southeast Asian countries.

Banana leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-bacterial properties.

Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285484754_Traditional_and_medicinal_uses_of_banana

The versatile banana plant

Nature has a remarkable way of surprising us. We often overlook the most common plants and fruits like the humble banana plant assuming they’re ordinary or unremarkable.

But once we take a closer look, these everyday ingredients reveal themselves to be true powerhouses, packed with flavor, nourishment, and incredible health benefits. It’s amazing how much goodness grows right around us.

Incorporating more natural, whole ingredients especially versatile ones like the banana plant into your meals can transform not just your cooking, but your overall well-being.

The more we explore these simple, earthy wonders, the more we realize how much they can support a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. Give nature a chance in your kitchen, and you’ll be delighted by the results.

Recipe- green banana stir fry

Ingredients

• Unripe banana-3
• water-1/2 cup
• Salt-as per taste
• Turmeric-a pinch
• Asafoetida-a pinch
• tamarind-tiny ball-made into a paste

Grind into a paste

• Grated coconut-1/4 cup
• Green chilly-2-3
• Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
• Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
• Coriander seeds-1 tsp
• Water-few drops

For tempering

• Curry leaves-1 string
• Red chilly broken-1
• Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
• Urad dal (split black gram)-1/2 tsp
• Coconut oil- 2 tbsp

Method

• Peel the raw bananas
• Chop them into pieces or slice them and soak them in water
• In a pan, heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds, when they splutter, add curry leaves, urad dal and red chilly
• Add in the chopped/sliced banana
• Add turmeric powder and Asafoetida, mix quickly
• Add the tamarind paste, salt and water, mix well
• Keep covered on low flame and cook until soft
• Add in the ground paste and give a good mix
• Cook for 2 minutes more and turn off the flame.

Enjoy it with rice or chapati.

Note: The health benefits listed are not substitutes for professional medical advice

When we utilize the banana plant in its entirety, we not only enrich our diets but also reaffirm our commitment to responsible and mindful consumption.