Growing up in a small village with access to a farm few kilometres from where we live, I’ve seen cultivation of various plantations like rice and banana from planting the seedlings up to harvesting. So the saying goes, “If you plant something, then you harvest.” Farmers and gardeners plan accordingly from plowing the land and germinating the seeds to producing some harvest without worrying for drought or flooding. Living in a country having a climate that is tropical and maritime, it is important to have a timely production of crops since the climate is characterized by relatively high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Although it’s tropical seasons, anyone can grow banana without much difficulty as long as there’s enough watering system and enough nutrients on the soil. I’ve always marveled looking up at those bright yellow fruits of the banana tree and wondered that other pinkish-purplish fruit it bears—the so called “Banana Blossoms or Banana Heart”. Without knowing much about its usage, I remember we take off the petals to reveal those florets and played with them in our market-market game. Little I know that it’s edible and perfect for chips.
In Southeast Asia cuisine, all parts of the banana blossoms are actually used as main ingredients in the kitchen. The petals or bract is a perfect addition when making Chutney. It is a form of savory condiment originating in India. The petals are boiled and drained. It is mixed with various herbs and spices, roasting it in low flame until golden brown. Chutney can be used as dipping sauce, as well as pairing it with lamb, duck, and other richly flavored meats. A little serving on the side of the roasted meat is also a nice setting. And if others prefer, they can spread Chutney over the meat just before serving.
The preparation of the banana blossoms isn’t that hard as it looks like. It just needs peeling the petals, removing the florets until it reaches to the whitish-purplish core part of the banana heart. But like artichokes and apple, banana blossoms oxidize quickly when cut open and exposed to air. So a nice technique to handle this is to place the sliced banana heart in a bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
It was in my late elementary years that I have tried cooking Banana Blossom Patties. In the beginning, I was skeptical since I am used of patties or fritters made from meat. But because the school promoted organic food preparation, meat cannot be an option. Banana Patties or Fritters is a very healthy meal for the family. According to studies, the banana blossoms (heart) are rich in dietary fiber, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids, hence it is called super food by many.
So here’s how to prepare Banana Blossom (Heart) Patties
| Ingredients: 1 Medium-sized Banana Blossom ½ cup Flour 2 Eggs 1 medium-sized Onion (minced) 5 cloves Garlic (minced) 1 Red bell pepper (chopped) Salt and Pepper to taste Oil for frying Chili powder (optional) |
| Preparation: 1. Peel off and remove matured petals or bract as well as the Florets of the banana blossoms until the whitish-pinkish core is revealed. You can set aside the petals and florets for your other preparation like that of Chutney and Chips. 2. Cut the core half or quarters depending on the size of your pot. 3. Fill the pot with water and wait for a certain heating temperature before putting the pieces of the core. Boil until It becomes tender and soft. Test if the banana blossom is already cooked. 4. Remove from the pot. Drain water and let it cool. 5. Chop it into small pieces. Using a strainer, remove excess water by pressing or squeezing them gently. 6. Combine all dry ingredients. 7. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add it to the Banana Blossoms mixture. Mix well. 8. Heat the pan and pour enough oil. 9. Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and fry. Flatten it using a ladle or a spoon. 10. Flip to cook the other side. 11. Fry until golden brown. |
Cherry Seniel is the author of ‘A Timeless Heartbeat and The Relic Series‘, the story of defying fate—a love of a lifetime. During the day, she works with her team and applies her knowledge in the field of Information Technology. At night, she speaks with her characters and writes their story.
i write...it is a journey... 