Banana Leaves

Banana Leaves: Indian way of eating

In Hindu culture people used to eat from banana leaf. A banana leaf is a long leaf which has a long rib in the middle. Banana Trees are considered to be sacred tree. It is used all celebration like marriages, temple functions etc. Planting a banana tree in front of the house is considered very important. 

The banana leaf is also a practical kitchen tool. As a food wrapper, it functions like a plastic wrap, parchment paper, and aluminum foil to prevent drying, sticking and retaining heat. You can lay a banana leaf down and serve food on it like a plate or placemat, and fold it into various shapes as to-go containers. It's also great for lining steamer trays to prevent sticking. It's bio-degradable too. 

Banana leaves are so large they are used as umbrellas during monsoon season. The leaf also makes an attractive serving platter because of its size and sturdiness. The shrub produces only one leaf per month in winter and three to four per month in summer.

Cultural Beliefs:

A traditional meal on a banana leaf is a must at any South Indian celebration.one has to eat carbohydrates (rice) first, then protein (dal), iron-rich vegetables and fat (curd). This is the order in which food is served and consumed as well. It is even more traditional to sit on the floor on a mat and eat one’s food. One has to squat as if one is sitting in the padmasana (lotus) pose.

Eating from a banana leaf is considered hygienic and healthy. Any guest can be served on a banana leaf which is considered humble and respectful.

Benefits:

• Eating food served on banana leaf is found to be healthy. Serving hot food on banana leaf will emanate important nutrients from the leaf which will be mixed with the food and will be eaten. This is considered to be very good for health.
• In the past there were no plates available; banana leaves were easily available and were large enough to contain all the food. Also, there is no particular smell in the leaf that can put you off.
• Leaves are easily disposable and environment friendly. Even burning the leaves, the ozone layers are not affected.

Scientific Reasons:

Banana leaves contain large amounts of polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, also found in green tea. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in many plant based foods. 

According to an article by Augustin Scalbert and colleagues published in the January 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," extensive research is ongoing to help determine the extent of how polyphenols affect human cells, the oxidative process and its impact on disease prevention.

Other Reasons:

As there is no chemical reaction, the food keeps its value intact: it can endure heat and react well without tearing apart from the heat.
The green leaf adds value to food (just like any other greens) and it contains the leafy taste to make it better!