Banana Dry and Banana Concentrate
Among fruits, the banana is considered one of the best. Nature, in its generosity, provides it abundantly for us.
Haven’t you heard elders sometimes say, while looking at children like us, “At that time, we should have just planted a banana plant”? That shows the value of the banana.
Its leaf, stem, raw fruit (both unripe and ripe), and even the corm (root) — everything is edible and nourishing.
How many varieties of bananas we have! Small ones, large ones, the red-skinned Chenkadali, the green-skinned Robusta that remains green even when ripe, Kannan, Vannan, and so many more — each different in taste and aroma.
A Sacred Presence in Tradition
The Kadali banana is beloved to Guruvayurappan (Kadali forest). When mentioning this, I remember a humorous story told by R. M. Manakkalath, known for his wit.
Once he was hospitalized with a severe throat illness. Doctors had instructed him not to speak. Admirers streamed in to see him, while he lay silent. One devotee, who had traveled from far away after becoming his admirer through his speeches, came near with great reverence and secretly asked in his ear, “What do you feel like eating?”
Manakkalath replied loudly: “Kadali bananas!”
Hearing this, the poor man boarded a bus to Guruvayur to buy Kadali bananas. Those accompanying him asked why he suddenly wanted Kadali bananas. He replied instantly, “Isn’t that what the Lord eats to remain so healthy?”
Everyone laughed, but isn’t there some truth in it?
Bananas are the fruit we offer to our deities. Until the 16th century, some believed that the forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve in Eden was the banana; only later did the apple gain prominence.
Uses and Preservation
To return to the point:
A banana plant bears fruit within ten months. We eat it raw, ripe, and dried. Powder made from boiled, dried Kannan bananas is considered excellent baby food. To prevent ripe bananas from spoiling, they can be preserved for a long time as dried fruit or concentrate.
For those who do not have the time or convenience to prepare these at home, such nutritious products with good taste and medicinal value are now available.
Food itself is medicine.
Note: (Free from any impurities.)
