Which Side of the Banana Leaf to Use?

A collage of banana leaf images

I love using banana leaves in my cooking.  They add an earthy, aromatic flavor to my dishes and make for a beautiful presentation.  However, when it comes to using banana leaves, one question that often comes up is which side to use. A Guide to Traditional Serving Etiquette The shiny, smooth side of the banana … Read more

Banana Leaves: Nature’s Gift for Health and Flavor

A lush and thriving garden with banana leaves

They’re used for many things, from cooking to wrapping food to making decorations.  But did you know that there are also some unconventional uses for banana leaves? Banana Leaves: From Fertilizer to Insect Repellent Beyond their culinary applications, banana leaves offer unconventional uses for gardening, cooking, and more. Rich in potassium, they make excellent natural fertilizers, … Read more

Taste the Difference: Unforgettable Dishes with Banana Leaves

A pair of hands preparing banana leaves

Preparing banana leaves for wrapping is an essential skill for anyone interested in cooking Caribbean, Southeast Asian, Indian, or Filipino cuisine.  As someone who loves experimenting with different recipes, I’ve learned that banana leaves add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes that can’t be replicated with any other ingredient.  However, if you’ve never worked … Read more