According to Hindu culture, particularly in the South, people prefer eating foods served in the Banana leaves. These trees are considered to be sacred and are used during all celebrations like marriages, functions or any pujas, etc. Planting a banana tree in the courtyard is considered auspicious.
The banana leaf is also a practical kitchen tool as it can be used as a food wrapper. It functions as a plastic wrap, parchment paper, and also aluminum foil to prevent drying, sticking and retaining heat. It’s also great for lining steamer trays to prevent sticking of the food while steaming. It’s bio-degradable as well.
Other than these uses, banana leaves are also used as umbrellas during monsoon, due to their large size. 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 celebrations – in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.Eating from a banana leaf is considered very hygienic and healthy and any guest can be served on a banana leaf which is considered humble and respectful.
Benefits:
1. Eating food served on banana leaf is scientifically found to be healthy. Serving hot food on banana leaf will emanate various important nutrients present in the leaf, which when mixed with the food provides those nutrients to the body.
2. In the ancient times, there were no plates available and due to easy availability of banana leaves and their large size, which was enough to contain all the food these were the preferred.
3. The Leaves are easily disposable and environment friendly. Even if the leaves are burnt, ozone layers are not affected.
4. Banana leaves contain large amounts of polyphenols such as epigallocatechingallate, or EGCG, which are also found in green tea. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in many plant based foods. Another research also shows that banana leaves contains polyphenol oxidases that help fight Parkinson’s disease.
5. As there are no chemical reactions, the food keeps its value intact: it can endure heat and react well without tearing apart from the heat.
The use of banana leaffor food- platter dates back to 1800 years and is considered to be as old as 3000 years. Although banana leaves were not the only leaves used to serve food, Lotus leaves, Banayan and Sal leaves (bound together by a thread) were also used in various parts of India. Banana leaves can serve as food for cattle also. In many traditions, the leaves, after the foods are consumed, are slightly washed and then fed to cows.
By: Archa Dave
