Keeping Banana Blossoms Fresh

In this segment of The Marc and Mandy Show, Cooking On The Road, Parinya Lopston of Ban Chok Dee shares tips for keeping banana blossoms fresh.

What is banana blossom:

The banana flower is also known as a banana blossom or heart. It’s an ingredient commonly used in Vietnamese and Thai cooking, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Nutritional benefits:

Banana blossoms are a great source of vitamins A and C. Banana blossoms have been known to ward off infections, heal wounds, reduce menstrual pain, and can help people with diabetes and anemia. 

What to avoid:

When banana blossoms are cut open and exposed to oxygen, they begin to turn dark and black. 

How to keep banana blossoms fresh:

• Once you’ve liberated the white “heart” (beneath the leaves) chop the heart up finely and immediately soak them in water with lime juice and vinegar.
• Wash the chopped blossom in the water/lime juice/vinegar mixture, and let it soak for a few minutes.
• Next, transfer the chopped blossom into a separate bowl of clean, cold water. 
• In a separate bowl, combine a little bit of lime juice and sugar.
• Finally, when you are ready to serve the banana blossoms, strain the cold water and add the blossoms to the bowl of lime juice/sugar. You can then plate the blossoms and enjoy!