Most people surely are familiar with banana. This is one of the most popular fruits with plenty of vitamins and minerals. In fact, the fruit is not the only interesting part of banana trees. The banana leaf and even its whole tree can be useful. Related to leaves, some countries find great uses of them. Even, the leaves are exported to other places because of the high demand. In this case, you may also be curious about its uses.
Common Uses of Banana Leaf
It is true that now people pay attention to banana leaf. There are actually many functions that can be obtained from the leaves. You can find some of them below.
- Culinary uses
One of the most common uses of banana leaf is for culinary. People from Asian countries and other places use the leaves to wrap the foods. Some other traditional dishes also have the leaves as serving plates. The leaves are popular choices because these can work well in any kinds of cooking methods. Even, grilled and steamed foods can be wrapped perfectly with banana leaves. Of course, it is more eco-friendly. Moreover, it is also found that natural substances in the leaves can bring additional flavors and these can bring medical benefits.
- Heat resistance properties
One of the reasons why banana leaf is popular in culinary is because of its heat resistance. The leaf can withstand high temperature and that is why the shape is still maintained well although it is getting grilled. Moreover, it has natural protective layer that prevent the leave to dry easily. That is why it is common for cooking and other purposes that require natural wrapping.
- Medical uses
Then, banana leaf has medical benefits. In fact, the leaves have anti-bacterial and even anti-inflammatory properties. These are useful to treat some health issues. That is why traditional people also use the leaves to cover or wrap wounds and insect bites. Currently, further researches are still being conducted to uncover further medical benefits of banana leaves.
- Arts and crafts
Banana leaf has large size with enough length. Then, its shape can be maintained well although it is folded several times. That is why many traditional artists make arts and crafts from the leaves. Its flexibility and durability enables people to apply their creativity on the leaves. Starting from paintings to handicrafts, many masterpieces have been made until now.
- Agricultural benefits
Lastly, banana leaf also provides agricultural uses. The leaves can work well also natural ground covers or mulch. The characteristic of banana leaves can maintain the moisture level well and later it can be decomposed as fertilizers. Moreover, the leaves can become feeds for livestock. In some cases, even beddings can be made of the banana leaves.
Various benefits can be found in the banana leaf. Its uses and applications are various, but mostly it is popular in the culinary fields. The leaves can become great wrappers for foods and even the natural substances can improve the foods and aroma. That is why many places also import the leaves because banana trees may not be able to grow there.
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