THE AROMA OF BANANA LEAF

Can you ever let slip from memory the aroma of banana leaf?  The aroma or the flavor of the food cooked or served in banana leaf is lip smacking. The banana leaf is the green leaf of the banana plant that are used for cooking, food serving and wrapping in different cuisines of the world. The banana leaves are wide, pliable and water resistant. The banana plant produces an average of 35 – 40 leaves in its growth cycle.

HISTORY

 Banana leaves are waxy, glossy and range in colors from light green, olive green and dark green. Banana leaves originated in South East Asia between 8000-5000BCE. India tops first in banana plant growth and production followed by china in the second place. Tamilnadu has the largest banana plant producing areas followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

SIGNIFICANCE OF BANANA LEAVES

-The entire banana plant is considered sacred and it is known as ‘Kadali’ in the Sanskrit language. According to Hindu Mythology, Rishi Durvasa had cursed his wife as she interrupted his sleep. He cursed her to turn into a banana tree. Upon receiving the curse, she pleaded with her husband for a wish that she should be treated special and as a holy plant. Rishi Duravasa fulfilled her wish and since that day, the leaves of banana trees are considered auspicious and sacred in Hindu culture.

There is a traditional custom in Hindu religion to decorate the entrance of the marriage hall and the house of the bridegroom and bride with two banana trees. According to the belief, the tree symbolizes that the married life of the couple would be evergreen and the relationship and love between them would be endless. The couple would be showered with all the prosperity of the world
and with children.                                                                           

Banana leaves are considered as sacred and are used for offering prasad to the deities. Lord Ganesh is fond of banana leaves and gets appeased by the offering of leaves during Ganpati puja. A Banana leaf and fruits are offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi as a religious offering.Banana leaves have been used in the Hindu and Buddhist religion for symbolic and decorative purposes in mostly all the ceremonies.The historical home buildings in tropical areas, roofs and fences are made with dry banana- leaf thatch.                                   

Many South Indian people use banana leaves on festivals and family get together. Foods served in banana leaves are believed to get enriched nutrients. All variety of foods can be served in the banana leaf from sambar to pickles.

MALAYSIAN BANANA LEAF RICE 

In Malaysia, the term ‘banana leaf rice’ is used for the popular dish, which is essentially an Indian thali. The dish originated from south India and consists of plain rice,with three or four different vegetable dish served on a banana leaf. Banana leaf rice is a mouth watering dish loved by all the Malaysians.

BENEFITS OF USING BANANA LEAVES

HEALTHY HAIR

If you are having having problems of dandruff on your head, then banana leaf is the solution you can use to overcome them. The first step is that banana leaves to be chopped down and crushed till the water is extracted. Then banana leaf extract is smeared all over the head, let it absorb for minutes and then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Banana leaf extract taken from the leaves will help us get rid of dandruff and make the hair remain perfectly black.

GLOWING SKIN

Do you know banana leaves can give beautiful skin? Banana leaf can be used for skin care,as they soothe and moisturize dry skin.They can also help reduce the wrinkles and fine lines. Mix some dried banana leaves into a powder,then mix it with honey and curd to create a scrub. Apply the paste in your face for 3 – 5 minutes and wash with warm water. This gives smooth and soft skin.It not only make smoothing beautiful skin, but also banana leaves can act as germ killer that are good to avoid skin irritation problems that mild or severe.

TREATS CUTS AND INJURY

Banana leaf are an excellent natural wound healer. By making a clean banana leaf paste and applying it on the wound,it acts as a wound healer for minor injuries. They can be used to treat cuts, burns and other skin injuries.

ENHANCE THE IMMUNITY

Banana leaves can enhance the immune system of a human body that is weak. Banana leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients can help improve your overall well being. Added to that,a banana leaf can also ward off free radicals including that are increasingly danger for human. The substance that is stored in a banana leaf namely allantoin can be converted into an anti oxidant producing agent.

BALANCES BLOOD PRESSURE                                             

The dietary fiber in banana leaves mix with bile acids in the stomach and helps remove them from the body before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.Banana leaves are rich in polyphenols that gets absorbed in the food when it is served warm. Research states that polyphenols can regulate the blood pressure levels promoting good blood circulation.Polyphenols also reduces the chronic inflammation, reduces the risk factor of heart disease and control your blood sugar level.The enzyme polyphenol oxidase in banana leaves treats Parkinson’s disease.

CURES SORE THROAT

A sore throat may be a sign that you have other respiratory illnesses. A sore throat makes someone feel pain when swallowing foods or drinking beverages. You can drink banana leaves decoction at least twice a day if you have a sore throat.

ENVIRONMENT- FRIENDLY                                                                                                                                             

Banana leaves are eco-friendly and easily decompose in a short time unlike plastic that takes at least a century to degrade completely. Eating on banana leaves isn’t only flavourful, eco friendly, hygienic and practical but also chemical free. They are also used as livestock feed. Animals like cows, goats and sheep love to eat banana leaves that makes them healthy. Taking food on banana leaves is hygienic and easy to use.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Our ancestors had the habit of having their foods on banana leaves on daily basis. Their daily healthy lifestyle made them fit and healthy. Although, in present situation, many cannot afford to use banana leaves on daily basis , at least we could use them occasionally during festivals. Many people have the habit of growing plants in their houses. If it is possible and interested, we could also give it a try to grow banana plant at home.