Lifestyle
Banana Blossom: What Is It And Why Are Vegans Raving About It?
2min read
More plants are being discovered by vegans as great meat alternatives, from tofu to jackfruit — and banana blossom has joined the ranks. But what is banana blossom and what is it used for? We’ve got all you need to know here.
At allplants, we believe in the power of plants, that's why our meals are packed with plants, naturally healthy, full of wholefoods, and full of colour. Check out our menu here.
What is banana blossom?
credit: the Guardian
Banana blossom is the flower that grows at the end of banana bunches. It is purple, fleshy and can be eaten cooked or raw. It is traditionally cooked in South East Asian cuisine, where it is added to soups, curries and salads. Although it grows from bananas, it does not taste like bananas; instead it’s flavour is quite mild and more similar to artichokes.
Why is it popular amongst vegans?
Banana blossom has a meaty, tender texture that can resemble meat, making it a great plant-based alternative to substitute in our favourite dishes. It is also significant because it can be used to recreate the texture of fish, which is notoriously difficult to replicate with plants. It also has a mild flavour and so it can hold seasoning well to taste like fish and meat when done right. It is also increasingly available in supermarkets and grocery shops; if you want to cook with it, look out for tins of banana blossom in brine in your local supermarket or international shop.
What to make with banana blossom
Now that you know what it is, you probably want to see for yourself how tasty it is. Here are our favourite recipes for banana blossom:
Vegan fish and chips
If you thought beer battered fish and chunky chips would be a thing of the past when going plant-based, I’ve got some very good news for you. This vegan fish and chips is absolutely delicious and does really taste like the real thing.
Vegan fish tacos
These fish taco will have you giving yourself a pat on the back for the vegan-restaurant quality food you’ve prepared. Crispy, flaky vegan fish paired with a zingy mango salsa makes this dish one to make when you want a slice of summer in your life.
Vegan Chicken Burger
Move over KFC, because it turns out you can make a delicious, vegan crispy chicken burger at home. The banana blossom is triple coated in batter for the crunchy golden outside, but remains super tender inside. Definitely one to make when you’re craving fried ‘chicken’.
For the days you don't want to cook, fill your freezer with chef-made meals packed with plants. Check out our menu here.
By Toni Olukiran
Toni is one of our lovely Content Marketing Assistants, and when she’s not writing posts about everything from Jamaican cooking to vegan champagne, she’s making a Spotify playlist (she was at 200, at her last count) or playing tennis in the park.
Let us take care of dinner
We help to make eating more plants easy and delicious. Fancy letting us take care of dinner? Check out our delicious meals here.
Shop now
