Flowering blossoms

According to folklore of Gadaba, a tribe in Andhra Pradesh, banana was one of five sisters; mango, tamarind, fig and jamun being the others. When they were growing up, their father asked them what they wanted in terms of marriage and children. The banana said she wanted children, but not a husband. So she did not marry, but produced many children. That’s probably why the plant produces flowers parthenocarpically—production of fruit without fertilisation of ovules.

Banana tree is considered auspicious—it is an integral part of wedding rituals and its leaves are used to decorate the mandap (wedding platform). Its fruit is presented as an offering to deities.

In many cultures across India, the banana flower is considered to have the power to ward off bad omens. This may or may not be true, but the flower has been scientifically proven to treat a host of diseases such as dysentery, ulcers and bronchitis. The flowers are rich in antioxidants, fibre, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids and are a good source of vitamin E and flavonoids.

Peel its utility

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, consuming banana flowers can help prevent oxidative stress. A study published in 2000 in Phytotherapy Research found banana flowers had an ingredient that could reduce blood glucose and is advised for diabetics.

A study published in the Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology in 2014 found that banana flowers can serve as a very good natural source for the development of an anticancer lead molecule which has least side-effects. But what could interest the youth is the flower’s ability to reduce body weight and improve longevity. Banana flowers have also been found to improve the health of the uterus.

In traditional homes, lactating mothers are encouraged to consume banana flowers as it increases breast milk supply, and it can also prevent constipation in pregnant women. It is used to treat menstrual bleeding and can help women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome. According to a study published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research in 2010, banana flowers can help heal wounds and prevent infection. It is a natural antidepressant as it contains abundant magnesium. Rich in iron, the flowers can increase haemoglobin in the body and prevent anaemia.

Banana flower is called mocha in Bengali, vazhaipoo in Tamil and kelful in Hindi. In Tamil Nadu, banana flowers are prepared in a number of ways including Vazhaipoo Vadai (a tea snack), Vazhaipoo Kootu (a vegetable dish) and Vazhaipoo Poriyal (a stir fry vegetable dish). In Bengal, mocha stir fry is a popular dish (see recipe). In north India and in Maharashtra kelful bhaji is a vegan delight.

Take some time out to understand and savour banana’s various threads.

RECIPE   Mocha stir fry Ingredients 1 spike mocha 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp turmeric powder Salt and red chilli powder to taste 1 tsp sugar 1/4 cup grated coconut Oil (enough to fry) Method Clean the banana flowers by removing the outer layer of the purplish red bracts. The small yellow florets inside the bracts are used for cooking. The flowers are prepared for cooking by removing the hard stamen and stigma. Chop the yellow florets and boil for five minutes in water after adding turmeric and salt. Strain and keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add the chopped florets and saut for some time. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt and a little sugar. Stir well. For garnishing, add grated coconut. To increase quantity, you can also cook the inner layers of the bracts, which are also yellow in colour

The story was published in the 1-15 July, 2016 issue of the magazine.

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