Monday, August 31, 2009

Banana Blooms

Spring is starting to make an appearance here. The garden is still a bit threadbare and dusty, but there are blooms all over the place. This weekend we found a banana flower - at the end of a ripening bunch of bananas at the top of our garden. It is quite a dramatic flower with it's strong bright burgundy and yellow petals!I am intrigued to see that we could EAT the flower. If I am feeling brave a might try this salad!?

9 comments:

Anairam said...

Eek, all that talk about the sap turning black and staining your hands etc. makes it sound quite potent! I wonder what it tastes like? I think you should be the guinea-pig and try it out!

Leslie said...

It's intriguing to think our summer is coming to an end as your spring begins. This flower is just incredible, I didn't even know such a thing existed. Thanks so much for sharing!

Leslie said...

I've been meaning to ask you, what camera do you use to take these fabulous photos?

Estelle said...

As the top photo was loading, it looked like a shark (-:
I know you do live in the banana-province, but it's so nice to see this in your garden!!

Unknown said...

Good Morning,What an incredible flower I too have never seen before, thanks for sharing, have a sweet day! x

kendalee said...

The recipe sounds delicious and I'd love to taste it! I had no idea one could eat the flowers, although it makes sense. But I agree with Anairam, anything that requires I wear protective clothing like rubber gloves to prepare and involves so much effort just sounds like way too much hard work for me. I am an exceptionally lazy cook though! Do let us know if you try it - I'm intrigued. :)

Di Overton said...

Bananas in the garden, how wonderful

Alexander Santillanes said...

You have no idea how envious I would be of you if you were to enjoy that banana blossom-- banana flower salads are one of my favorite dishes! I ate them all over Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and really miss being able to get banana flowers here (I sometimes see them in people's yards, and am tempted to snatch them from the tree).

My tips are: ditch the purple leaves, slice the white leaves really thin (you'll need a sharp stainless steel knife- though I never wore protective gloves to make it), and get the white leaves in some water with lime juice quick (or they will discolour). Then drain them, toss them with some peanuts, crisp bacon, and fresh herbs-- like mint and coriander. Top with a splash of lime juice, some fish sauce, and some toasted sesame seeds. Yum! -X

Swapna Raghu Sanand said...

The banana blooms so beautiful.