Banana leaves

Banana or Músa is an extensive genus of perennial herbaceous plants that are assigned to the Banana family and grow mainly in the tropical climate of the countries of Southeast Asia, as well as in the Malay archipelago. In the everyday sense, bananas mean the edible fruits of banana plants. It is worth noting that currently an artificially bred variety of banana plant called Musa × paradisiaca is cultivated on an industrial scale.

Bananas play an important role for the economies of some states that grow fruit on an industrial scale. According to the Food Organization, created at the UN, bananas along with rice, as well as corn and wheat are among the most valuable and most important crops for mankind as a whole. Currently, about 40 species of plants are ranked among the Banana family.

Some "northern" varieties of bananas, such as Japanese banana or Musa basjoo, can grow in rather harsh climatic conditions. True, such subspecies of banana plants belong to ornamental plants, the fruits of which are not used for food. Banana fruits have found widespread use in cooking. Residents of some countries of the world, such as Ecuador, the Philippines, Samoa or the Comoros, consider bananas to be one of the main components of the daily diet.

Edible varieties of bananas are divided into dessert and plantain. The first variety of bananas is eaten raw, the second is subjected to mandatory temperature treatment. Based on bananas, desserts, confectionery and sweets are made, as well as fruit salads, drinks, various flavors and other food products. However, in cooking they use not only fruits, but also banana leaves. Different types of plant differ in the size, shape and distinctive properties of banana leaves.

As a rule, banana leaves are quite large, smooth surface and oblong oval shape. It is worth noting that the size of banana leaves cultivated for fruit can reach 60 cm in width and up to 275 cm in length. Although banana leaves are not eaten. They play an important role in the Asian culinary tradition.

With the help of banana leaves, some popular national dishes of India, Thailand, the Philippines, as well as other countries are made. In addition, banana leaves serve as natural dishes for some Asian dishes, which are commonly consumed without cutlery. Banana leaves play an important role in ceremonies in Buddhism as well as Hindu culture rites.

Banana leaves are used to bake fish, meat, beans, as well as vegetables, as well as various types of eggs. It is worth noting that the use of banana leaves in the food preparation process can be considered an Asian culinary trick. Natural compounds contained in banana leaves saturate writing with vitamins, useful compounds, and also affect the taste and aroma of the finished culinary product.