Minions, the heroes of that much loved Hollywood movie, loved Bananas! Ever wondered why?
Banana is a superfruit that is cheap and easily available, it is one of the most valued fruits across the world. Its sweet taste is not all that it has to offer though; packed with vital nutrients, it has many health benefits. Bananas are one of the oldest cultivated plants and each part of it has some degree of benefits or uses.
One of the best ways to optimise these benefits of bananas is to opt for the organic ones. Mysore Food Products, Geewin Exim, Lotus Grand Exports and Jejash Trading are some of the top organic banana production companies of India.
Ecuador, Mexico and Colombia are the countries that produce the highest number of organic bananas while Peru is the leading exporter of organic bananas. There are at least 300 different varieties of bananas, grown in 150 countries across the globe and almost 105 million tonnes of fruits are produced each year, among which India takes the first place producing 33 million metric tons in 2021 in which Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are the leading contributors.
Powerhouse of nutrients
Eaten raw, ripe or even overripe or made into delicious food items, the fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains vitamins B6 and C which helps the body to absorb iron better, increasing the haemoglobin count.
It is also enriched with potassium that helps to regulate the blood pressure and also to maintain fluid levels in the body. Along with that, it works wonders for digestion and helps with constipation and bloating as it contains antioxidants, along with these bananas also contain fibre which supports heart health.
The fruit is used in a number of dishes, as an energy giver, it is a staple item for breakfast in many households, it is used in a variety of desserts like Halwa and Malpua; and the banana bread or the plantain chips made from it have to be your favourite!
Edible heart
Banana hearts are locally used as vegetables, either cooked as curry, soups or fried, although the cleaning process can be hard but it’s all worth the effort for all the advantages it offers.
Banana flowers are helpful in PCOS or excessive menstruation bleeding. They also aid in relieving menstrual cramps by boosting progesterone production. They can be natural antidepressants as they are loaded with magnesium which helps to bring down stress level and improve mode. They contain antioxidants that help to fight free radicals which can damage healthy cells leading to a number of problems. They also help lactating mothers.
The Stem
The stems that support the whole flower are also edible. Cooked in stews or consumed as juice, the stem is formed in layers like a cabbage, the outer layers are discarded and the rest can be eaten.
Drinking the stem juice helps in detoxification, by flushing out toxins and unwanted substances from the body. This juice is an effective home remedy against kidney stones and also very effective for diabetic patients as it controls the insulin level of the body with its bitterness. Not only the inner layer of the stem has uses, the outer skin can also be utilised as natural threads to bind flower garlands or lei, to make long plates as well as for basket weaving and other purposes.
The Leaves
Either dried or fresh, the leaves can be used too. In South Asian culture, banana leaves are used as wrappers or even as utensil; these large and long leaves can serve a full meal especially in feasts. These leaves have a particular pleasant aroma that helps increase hunger stimulation. Certain dishes like Kol Pitha are steamed inside banana leaves, which can be disposed of easily too.
Banana leaves extract can cure dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp. A banana leaf mask is very effective to maintain the natural colour of the hair as it contains high allantoin and astringent effect.
Drinking banana leaves decoction can reduce sore throats and reduce inflammation.
The Peel
Even the peels of this plant have uses. Applying banana peel on the face helps with puffiness and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and also helps with acne scars. Moreover, banana peels can be used as compost for potted plants as it is rich with nutrients.
Regional cuisines
Bananas are associated with prosperity and good luck in Indian culture, which is why they are offered to the gods and goddesses in practically every religious ritual (puja), and for this symbolism their trunks are also used as gated decorations.
In Assam, Jolpan, a traditional breakfast where banana is consumed with puffed rice, curd and jaggery eaten on the first day of Magh Bihu festival. Puttin, is another traditional breakfast dish of South India made by using sliced bananas, rice and coconuts. Bananas aren’t just served as breakfast staples; they’re also eaten as main courses. Kela Methi Nu Shaak, a favourite of Gujaratis is one such example, where the sweet bananas are combined with bitter methis to create a contrast. Maacher Paturi in Bengali or Machcha Patropoda in Odia is a marinated fish delicacy cooked in banana leaves.
With the help of recycling and effective management, banana waste can be used in organic agriculture on a large scale. The entire plant gives us something, which we can make the most of by producing eco-friendly products that will ultimately help the environment.
Read more:
Want to carry your MacBook in a Backpack made of Banana fibre?
