[Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca (plantain)]
[Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca (plantain)]
Bananas are the largest of the herbs, growing to as much as 40 feet
high. Their leaves are used in many tropical cultures as a flavoring wrapper
for steamed and baked foods. The photo shows a quarter leaf (split down the
spine and about half length) about 4 feet long by 13 inches at the wide end.
Banana plants grow all over Southern California as decoratives, but are
generally not suitable as wrappers because the leaves have been split
up by the wind.
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Buying: In Southern California fresh banana leaves are occasionally available in ethnic markets, and usually sell out fast. Frozen ones are almost always available in ethnic markets serving South or Southeast Asian or Tropical American communities. Frozen works just fine and unused leaf can be refrozen. Storing: : Fresh banana leaves are fairly perishable. Loosely wrapped and refrigerated they'll keep for a few days before the start to mold. The best storage method is freezing which that take just fine. Subst: Parchment paper can be used if no banana leaves are available, or for non-acidic foods even aluminum foil. No flavor is imparted from these substitutions but little flavor is contributed by banana leaves anyway. |
hb_bananz 090524
©Andrew Grygus
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