Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine

 Hi people..! As we all know Malaysia is the melting pot of food and culture. We have been gifted to taste various type of food in our country. So, now I am going to describe briefly about the famous Indian traditional food which is banana leaf food..!!! This is a  typical south Indian meals consists of various items which are served in a particular fashion.  First there are two types of leaves that are used in a household.

1.     

This leaf is generally used for guests/elders and other VIPs.

2.        This leaf which is small is generally used by women/kids/old people. There is no particular order to use this type of banana leaf. Generally, if the bigger leaf is torn it is cut in the center into two and used for two people.

In Hindu culture people used to eat in banana leaf. A banana leaf is a long leaf which has a long rib in the middle. A traditional meal on a banana leaf is a must at any South Indian celebration. One has to eat carbohydrates (rice) first, then protein (dal), iron-rich vegetables and fat (curd). This is the order in which food is served and consumed as well. It is even more traditional to sit on the floor on a mat and eat one’s food. One has to squat as if one is sitting in the padmasana (lotus) pose.

Eating from a banana leaf is considered hygienic and healthy. Any guest can be served on a banana leaf which is considered humble and respectful.

Benefits:

• Eating food served on banana leaf is found to be healthy. Serving hot food on banana leaf will emanate important nutrients from the leaf which will be mixed with the food and will be eaten. This is considered to be very good for health.
• In the past there were no plates available; banana leaves were easily available and were large enough to contain all the food. Also, there is no particular smell in the leaf that can put you off.
• Leaves are easily disposable and environment friendly. Even burning the leaves, the ozone layers are not affected.