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."

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.

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.

Nutritional Facts

• Per 100 gm contains 51 calories, 1.6g of Protein, 0.6g of Fat, 9.9g Carb, 5.7fg of Fiber, 56mg of Calcium, 73.3mg of Phosphorous, 56.4mg of Iron, 13mg of Copper, 553.3 mg of Potassium, 48.7mg of Magnesium, 1.07mg of Vitamin E
• Banana flowers treat infections, thanks to their ethanol based extracts. Banana flower inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacterias. Some of them are bacillus subtalis, bacillus cereus, and escherichia coli.
• The presence of free radicals in the body can cause serious problems. Fortunately, the extracts of methanol present in banana flower possess antioxidant properties. These flowers perfectly handle free radicals that cause damages to the body.
• Menstruation brings pain inmany women. Some suffer from severe PMS symptoms, while others bleed excessively. A cup of cooked banana flowers can help deal with these problems.
• Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. It also increases the total hemoglobin levels in the body. However, as with antimicrobial activity, the hypoglycemic effects of banana flowers haven't proven clinically.
• Banana flowers contain various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fibers. This makes them an excellent health food and a source of healthy nutrients.

Some of the recipes are:

• Banana Flower Fritters
• Stir Fried Banana Flower
• Grilled Chicken with Banana Flower
• Banana Flower Salad