How to clean and cut Vazhaipoo | Banana Blossom

Vazhaipoo | Banana Blossom is very nutritious. Amma has an interesting take on Vazhaipoo | Banana Blossom not being made more often by many. She say since most consider cleaning this a time consuming task, they shy away from incorporating this in their day to day menu. Yes, it is a bit time consuming, but nevertheless worth all the patient few minutes that you have invested in the process.

Our local market has lovely fresh blossoms and I just love the fresh smell of these. This time the weekly local market trip, we just could not resist these lovely blossoms. These have to be cooked the same day or latest by the nest day.

Firstly selecting a fresh Banana Blossom is important. The trick is to ensure the portion from where the flower has been separated from the Banana Tree must be fresh and not dried out. The sap must be oozing out.

Thereafter we need to peel the dark bracts. Just underneath these, we find bunches of the banana florets. Detach these.

We need to keep a solution of water and buttermilk ready. This is to dunk the finely chopped banana florets so that they do not oxidize and turn black and bitter to taste. Normally the ratio is 1 ltr of water to 1 tblsp of Buttermilk. You can adjust as per the size of the Banana Blossom.The chopped florets must be completely submerged in this.

So far, its been quite easy. Now comes the Chor Police game! We need to clean up each of the individual floret and discard the  Pistil (Chor) and the Calyx (Police). Pistil is the one that looks like a matchstick - The knob like element is the Stigma that is attached to the Style, and this is whole is called Pistil. Calyx is the feathery and translucent outermost petal that protects the entire floret. Since we need to gently remove the Calyx and then remove the Pistil, Amma likes to call the Calyx the Police in hunt of the Pistil which is hidden deep within!

Once all the florets are cleaned, make manageable bunches of the same and finely chop them. Once chopped immediately put the pieces into the Water and Buttermilk solution. Just before use, strain them from the solution and squeeze excess. Immediately add in the preparation.

As you move towards the innermost bracts, the colour will become pale and lighter and you will come to the heart of the banana blossom. The bracts will become too small to peel. Trim off the conical stem and discard. Appa fondly recalls that as a child whenever his elder sister used to make this, she used to give him the heart of the banana blossom. This when really fresh, is sweet and very delicious to eat. Slit this heart length wise and immediately immerse into the buttermilk water.

While cleaning banana blossom it may stain our fingers and palm. Once you have cleaned the blossom, just apply a bit of coconut oil, massage it well and thereafter wash with soap and water. This instantly removes the stain from the sap.

Many delicious recipes can be made with these finley chopped banana florets. We love to make Vazhaipoo Bajra Adai, Vazhaipoo Vada, Vazhaipoo Toor Dal Pulav Vazhaipoo

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About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.