What Are Banana Blossoms?

Banana blossoms, also known as banana hearts or banana flowers, are large, teardrop-shaped blooms found at the end of a cluster of bananas. They are a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine, where they are used in a variety of dishes such as salads, curries, stir-fries, and soups.

The blossoms are rich in nutrients and have numerous health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The blossoms are usually harvested before the bananas have fully developed and are sold fresh or canned in brine. Fresh banana blossoms require some preparation before they can be used in cooking, as they have a bitter taste and tough outer layers that need to be removed. To prepare them, the outer layers are peeled away, and the inner florets are soaked in water with vinegar or lime juice to prevent them from turning brown.