Banana Blossom Botanical Name:
	General Description/History: This is the red, pointed bud that grows at the end of the stem bearing the cluster of bananas. Treated as a vegetable, it has a deep crimson colour and consists of layers of bracts that wrap around rows of thin-stemmed male flowers. The dark layers are peeled off to reveal the pale-coloured heart of the blossom that is eaten. It is sliced and served in salads or noodle dishes or can be cooked in curries or soups. It is quite astringent and can be made more palatable by soaking or steaming prior to use.
	Alternative Names: Thai: hua pli
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