Banana flower

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Also known as:
Kele ka phool, Banana Blossom, Ngapyaw phoo, Puso, Kehel Mal.

Description:
A large, purplish blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. The leaves enclose scented flowers. The outer leaves are much darker and tougher compared to the tender inner leaves which are used in cooking. It is treated as a vegetable in several tropical and Asian cuisines.

Commonly used in:
Salads, dips, meat stews, stir-fries, soups, rice or noodles etc.

Health benefit:
Among other things, it helps increase progesterone hormone, is considered to be a good source of vitamin A and C and is traditionally believed to be beneficial as a lactating agent.