If you enjoy eating jackfruit like BBQ pulled pork, your mind is about to be blown by the next big plant-based meat alternative for fish: banana blossoms. This isn't a new ingredient by any means. Banana blossoms are a popular ingredient used in traditional Southeast Asian soups, stir-fries, and salads. The banana blossom was predicted as one of Whole Food Market's top five plant-based trends. So why are banana blossoms about to become the go-to vegan "fish" ingredient? To start, the banana blossom flakes are just like real fish once cooked (see vegan TikTok star Tabitha Brown make them!). Learn all about the trendy ingredient, how to use it, and where to find it.
What Is a Banana Blossom?
The banana blossom (aka banana flower or banana hearts) as a whole is a purple tear-shape flower that grows at the end of a banana fruit cluster. Once the inedible dark outer petals (these are called bracts) are removed, the inside reveals yellowish tightly-packed petals similar to the way artichokes look. These flower clusters are the edible portion cooked to emulate a shredded fish texture.
What Do Banana Blossoms Taste Like?
Even though they come from the same tree and literally grow off a cluster of bananas, you won't find any fruity banana flavor here—it's a flower, after all. Similar to jackfruit or tofu, the flavor of banana blossoms is neutral, meaning they can take on the taste of however you season them.
Banana Blossom Benefits
Not only are banana blossoms an excellent fish substitute for creating vegan seafood dishes, but there are some serious health benefits as well. "We're always looking for the next big trend that will provide nutritional value as well as deliver on delicious taste," says Parker Brody, senior global category merchant for plant-based at Whole Foods Market. "Banana blossoms are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to fish that literally grows on trees." Similar to the actual banana fruit, the blossoms also contain minerals (iron, magnesium, and potassium) and fiber. Banana blossoms don't contain an equivalent amount of protein as fish so you'll need to find alternative sources. Studies also revealed banana blossoms contain antioxidants.
How to Eat Banana Blossoms (and Where to Buy Them)
Luckily you won't have to look for the purple flowers to take apart and cook. The most common way to buy banana blossoms is preserved in a brine. As mentioned earlier, Whole Foods is jumping on the banana blossom trend, which you'll find sold by plant-based brand Upton's Naturals. You can also find canned banana blossoms ($22, Amazon) at your local Asian market. As for how to eat banana blossoms, you might find vegan recipes calling for kelp powder or nori to achieve a more "fishy" flavor. To start, try frying banana blossoms fish and chips style. Or try making a Thai-inspired salad.