View Full Version : Crafting with Banana leaves/fiber
jewelbaby1224
10-20-2006, 02:39 PM
Hi,
I haven't gotten to enjoy the "fruits" of my trees yet but since I have so many leaves, etc from a recent storm. "Do any of you know what can be done with the leaves/fiber in the way of crafting (matts, baskets, paper etc) or mulching?
I want all of my banana material to be useful and not go to the landfill!!
Let's please hear your ideas!!!!
D_&_T
07-02-2007, 05:14 PM
My Grandmother who lives out in Arizona loves to make baskets...will have to ask her if she has ever used a Banana leave to weave the baskets with.
I can see them being used in compost piles too....
Tara
jewelbaby1224
07-02-2007, 06:49 PM
I have a banana leaf basket made for us on Kuaii years ago that is still beautiful and in use. He made it in minutes from green leaves.
The search continues..........
MediaHound
07-02-2007, 11:52 PM
My vote goes for mulching
:-P
Carolina
07-07-2007, 12:43 AM
Well, I used some strips of fiber to tie light strands to my palms. Worked well and I didn't have to go back in the house for ties. :)
kevensquintana
07-10-2007, 04:33 PM
Not crafts, but I know a great mexican dish that uses banana leaves to wrap the pork in while it is boiled. cochinita pibil
jewelbaby1224
07-10-2007, 05:57 PM
That sounds good! Do you have the recipe???
kevensquintana
07-10-2007, 06:13 PM
Of course, that pic is on my stove :) Even my mexican friends can't get over how good it is. You see, an old mexican woman tought me how to make it, so it can't get any better. The pork in my pic is actually what you put in a taco, I suppose you could eat it alone too. Tomorrow, I will post step by step pics and instructions.
kevensquintana
07-11-2007, 06:32 PM
Tacos de cochinita pibil....my way, for 4 people I use about 3 lbs of lean pork meat. The evening before the meal, dice the pork meat into small pieces (about 1"x1/2" in size). Put about 10 oz of annatto paste (achiote) in a blender with a crushed garlic clove add about 3/4 bottle (11oz) of sour orange juice marinating liquid (naranja agria). This will be your marinade for the pork. The quantities depend on how much you are making, I go by the look, after being mixed in the blender it should look like runny red mud. Mix this marinade in a bowl with the diced pork (use rubber gloves or you will have orange fingers). Leave it in the fridge over night. To cook: Line a large pot with BANANA leaves ( I place spoons under so the leaves don't burn) place the diced pork on the leaves, chop some purple onion to cook with the pork. Pour just enough water under the leaves to have about 2" of water in the pot. Cook on a low boil adding water under the leaves to replace evaporation, turning the pork from time to time. When the pork is about ready, heat and slightly brown corn tortillas (no oil), make as many as you will need for your tacos. To serve just scoop some pork meat and marinade out of the pot and place in your browned tortilla, I have sliced limes and sliced habanero peppers to garnish the taco.
Ingredients: Corn tortillas, lean pork meat, clove of garlic, purple onion, limes, Banana leaves, Annatto paste, sour orange juice, habanero peppers.
jewelbaby1224
08-28-2007, 01:48 PM
OMG, that looks good!!! I just got back on the forum and thank you so much for this great recipe!!! Printing it out for shopping.
Kylie2x
08-28-2007, 05:05 PM
That sounds YUMMY...I always forget about this forum... I would rather just come to your house and eat. I loath shopping...LOL I will bring the Frosty Beverages:nanadrink: and I'll do the dishes...
Kylie
jewelbaby1224
08-28-2007, 05:50 PM
I'm with you Kylie! Except for the fact that I don't have any wonderful Mexican ladies around to spoil me!!!
Yummmm:chefnaner: :chefnaner:
island cassie
09-13-2007, 09:27 PM
That looks great Kev and would go down a storm here - but I will have to go and search for annatto paste!
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