Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

I might just try that.

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

Wish I had a bunch that big! :woohoonaner:

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

"Such a big blossom with so few fingers, because you're meant to cut it off and eat it!"

so, Beth...eat the flower? any particular types? how to cook?

i'm sure it's been covered before, but, pleeese...

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

I've tried a few of these since they sell flowers all year at the Asian Markets here.
Banana Flower Soup Recipe: Preparing a Delicious Sri Lankan Soup with Coconut and Shrimp | Suite101.com
Banana Flower Side Dish Recipe: A Tasty and Filling Indian and Thai With Tamarind | Suite101.com
Banana blossom - Recipes Wiki

Most of these are Indian, once you get the feel of it creating your own recipes come easily.

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

maybe i'm off topic, but more on that flower to eat...

it was unclear if the entire flower is used...that would mean the entire life of that pseudostem went into one soup??

also, are you folk cutting off the flower after the fruit is set?

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

When I've mad them I trim the ends and outermost leaves and use the rest. I buy mine but, believe that's what most people do when they get fruit.

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

Yes, when the female flowers are finished you will start getting male flowers that will drop off after they bloom. Allow at least 6 inches of the peduncle to grow past the last hand before cutting the rest of the flower for cooking. Be careful not to get any of the sticky latex on your hands or anything you do not want stained.

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

one last question...actually two...

which parts of the remaining bloom end up as food

any varieties not good food sources?

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

The actual flowers and the white or cream colored part in the middle. You peel the purple sheaths off, keeping the flowers, until you get to where the sheaths are tender and cream colored--then use the whole thing. Some varieties are better than others--some are very astringent.

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

i think i'll stick with boc choy, etc...

unless...in mexico, the locals call the banana they sell to the world market, 'comercial'..., i have lots of those to practice wth...especially if somebody here knows the 'garden variety' stuff that is eventually sold at Safeway...??...i think that's what's on the big trucks leaving around here...

Re: Is it the Flag Leaf?
 

Goldfinger fruit today.