Eating on a Banana Leaf at Banana Leaf, Naturally

October 2, 2023

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Banana leaves are luxurious, graceful and playful even on a tree. As a mat for your food, they remain elegant, sumptuous and natural at the same time. Just look at the photos of the parties at Banana Leaf Southern Indian restaurant!

The flexible, beautiful banana leaf can hold an entire meal at Banana Leaf, Winnetka

In southern India, celebrating special occasions or festivals with a feast with food served on a banana leaf. The giant, deep green leaf makes an inviting “plate” or place for multi-course meal.

Goat on a banana leave at Banana Leaf Restaurant

The number of banana varieties is staggering. There are currently well over 1,000. That’s partly because bananas are grown in more than 150 countries around the globe.

In addition to south, east and west India, a few of the most prominent places are North Africa, southeast Asia, Mexico and South America and Hawaii.

Bananas grow in southern and eastern India

Wherever bananas grow abundantly, each culture makes use of the leaves as a mat. Banana leaves have a cultural, traditional, symbolic, emotional, ritual, mystical and spiritual significance in different cultures around the world.

So happy eating on banana leaves at Banana Leaf Restaurant, Winnetka

It has also become a very special mat, possibly because of the texture and color and simplicity. Its naturalness is seen and felt.

Chicken on a banana leave palette at Banana Leaf Restaurants

The health benefits are many. Banana leaves, when used in cooking, are a source of flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and tannins that are released when hot food is placed on them. This not only contributes to its medicinal value but makes them very hygienic to use.

The leaves are versatile for steaming, boiling, frying, baking, or grilling foods. They hold the heat in and protect the food from losing its natural flavor.

Banana leaf dining at Banana Leaf Restaurants

Banana plants take first place as a home remedy. They have been used orally or topically as remedies in folk medicine and some studies have demonstrated this medicinal potential.

The leaves contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that produces L-DOPA that counteracts the action of free radicals. It is used in the treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Banana leaves have proven to be an excellent source of rutin, which modulates glucose homeostasis. This makes it is a good candidate for the development of anti-diabetic drugs.

Timeless, contemporary Gulab Jamun on a banana leave at Banana Leaf Restaurant

Another indirect health benefit is that the leaf’s waxy surface prevents dirt and dust from sticking to it. The method is fascinating. The leaves are cleaned, cut into smaller pieces, and run over a flame to make them pliable and maneuverable. This also melts the wax and releases the natural oils which make them fragrant, shiny, and glossy.