Banana flower

Banana flower Also Known asKele ka phool, Banana Blossom, Ngapyaw phoo, Puso, Kehel Mal..A large, purplish blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. The leaves enclose scented flowers. The outer leaves are much darker and tougher compared to the tender inner leaves which are used in cooking. It is treated as a vegetable in several tropical and Asian cuisines. Do note that the cut ends of banana flower oozes a sap which is sticky and stains the hands and clothes if precaution is not taken. Thus, it is better to rub your hands with oil before cutting banana flower. The tough outer leaves which are called bracts are first removed and then the remaining flower can be steamed whole till tender or for around 15 minutes. Allow to cool and then chop or slice as required. In case you don't steam the banana flower, chop the banana flowers and soak in buttermilk till use. Buttermilk prevents excess sap from sticking and avoids the flowers from turning black.