Produce Briefs...
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Banana leaves are available year round.
Description/Taste
Banana leaves are large with spiked edges and a solid center. Ranging from lime to olive green to dark green, these inedible pliable leaves can measure up to ten feet long and two feet wide. Used for wrapping a variety of food mixtures, the leaves impart a subtle aromatic quality to foods.
Applications
Banana leaves are ideal for wrapping sweet to savory foods. Stuff with poultry, pork, beef, veal, hard-cooked eggs, cheese, vegetables, rice, beans, grits, herbs and fruits. Wrap a favorite recipe in a softened banana leaf cut to size; leave enough room to fold each leaf over to form a pocket; secure with string. Boil, steam, bake, barbecue, fry or smoke with folded side down.
Geography/History
Grown on a banana "tree", which really is a plant of the genus Musa and not an actual tree, huge banana leaves emerge as the banana plant grows. When weather conditions are suitable and are on the warm side, a new leaf can grow weekly.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Banana Leaves. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Ma Recipes |
|
Banana Flower/Blossom Stir Fry |
| Kuidaore |
|
Matcha White Chocolate Ice Cream & Kumquat Pound Cake |
| Crispy Waffle |
|
Suman Inantala |
