Banana Stem Recipe

Banana Stem Recipe: A Complete Guide to Cooking & Health Benefits (2025)

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📑 Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is Banana Stem?

3. Health Benefits of Banana Stem

4. How to Choose and Clean Banana Stem

5. Popular Banana Stem Recipes

   • 5.1 Banana Stem Stir Fry (Poriyal)

   • 5.2 Banana Stem Curry (Vazhaithandu Kootu)

   • 5.3 Banana Stem Juice for Detox

   • 5.4 Banana Stem Salad

6. Tips to Reduce Bitterness & Fibers

7. Banana Stem in Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine

8. Conclusion

9. FAQs

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Banana tree

🏁 Introduction

The banana stem, also known as vazhaithandu in Tamil and kele ka danthal in Hindi, is a superfood hiding in plain sight. Often overlooked or thrown away, this fiber-rich and highly nutritious part of the banana plant is used extensively in South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to cook banana stem, different banana stem recipes, its health benefits, and tips to make it delicious and easy to digest.

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🌿 What is Banana Stem?

The banana stem is the inner core of the banana plant’s trunk, found once the outer fibrous layers are peeled away. It’s pale white, crunchy, and slightly sour or astringent in taste.

Although it’s called a “stem,” it’s technically a pseudostem made of tightly packed leaf sheaths. It’s available in most Indian grocery stores or markets that sell fresh banana plants.

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💪 Health Benefits of Banana Stem

Banana stem is loaded with nutrients and offers incredible medicinal and detoxifying benefits:

Nutrient/Compound	Benefit
Dietary Fiber	Aids digestion, prevents constipation
Potassium	Controls blood pressure
Vitamin B6	Boosts metabolism
Iron	Prevents anemia
Antioxidants	Reduces inflammation, detoxifies

Key Health Benefits:

• Cleanses the urinary tract

• Aids in kidney stone removal

• Helps manage diabetes

• Supports weight loss

• Detoxifies liver and digestive system

Regular consumption of banana stem juice is recommended in Ayurvedic practices for kidney and gallbladder health.

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Banana fruit 

🧼 How to Choose and Clean Banana Stem

Choosing:

• Look for fresh, firm, pale-colored stems

• Avoid stems that are brittle, dry, or brownish

Cleaning Process:

1. Cut a circular slice from the stem.

2. Remove outer fibrous layers until you reach the soft inner core.

3. Slice the stem into thin discs.

4. Remove the fibers by swirling the slice with your fingers (you’ll notice threads forming).

5. Soak the slices in a bowl of water mixed with buttermilk or lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

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🍽️ Popular Banana Stem Recipes

Banana stem can be used in curries, stir fries, juices, and salads. Here's how to make the most popular and tasty banana stem dishes.

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🥘 5.1 Banana Stem Stir Fry (Poriyal)

Also known as: Vazhaithandu Poriyal (Tamil Style)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped banana stem

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp urad dal

• 1 green chili, chopped

• 1 dry red chili

• Curry leaves

• 2 tbsp grated coconut

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add urad dal, red chili, green chili, and curry leaves.

3. Add chopped banana stem and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle water, cover and cook for 5–6 minutes on medium flame.

5. Add salt and grated coconut. Mix well and turn off heat.

✅ Serve with rice or chapati for a healthy lunch.

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🍛 5.2 Banana Stem Curry (Vazhaithandu Kootu)

A comforting lentil-based curry made with banana stem.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup banana stem, finely chopped

• ½ cup moong dal (yellow split gram)

• 1 green chili

• ¼ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp cumin seeds

• 2 tbsp grated coconut

• Salt to taste

• Curry leaves

• 1 tsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook moong dal with turmeric until soft.

2. Steam banana stem separately.

3. Grind coconut, cumin, and green chili to a paste.

4. Mix cooked dal, banana stem, and paste. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

5. Temper with oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.

💡 High in protein and fiber, this curry is a complete meal when served with rice.

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Banana tree

🥤 5.3 Banana Stem Juice for Detox

Banana stem juice is a natural diuretic and helps in kidney cleansing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup banana stem, chopped

• 1 cup water

• ½ lemon juice

• A pinch of salt or black pepper

Instructions:

1. Soak banana stem slices in water for 30 minutes.

2. Blend it with fresh water.

3. Strain the juice and add lemon juice + salt.

4. Drink on an empty stomach in the morning.

⚠️ Do not drink more than 100 ml daily without medical advice if you have low BP or kidney issues.

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🥗 5.4 Banana Stem Salad

A crunchy, tangy salad perfect for weight loss.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup banana stem, finely chopped

• 1 small cucumber, chopped

• 1 green chili, chopped

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• A pinch of black salt

• Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Toss well and serve immediately.

🌿 Great for detox and digestion after heavy meals.

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✨ Tips to Reduce Bitterness & Fibers

• Always soak slices in buttermilk or lemon water to reduce astringency.

• Use fresh stem — older stems are tougher and more bitter.

• While cutting, remove threads with your fingers after each slice.

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🧘‍♂️ Banana Stem in Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine

In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, banana stem is used to:

• Flush out kidney stones

• Treat urinary tract infections (UTI)

• Relieve acidity and constipation

• Support weight loss and metabolism

It is classified as a cooling food that pacifies excess heat (Pitta dosha).

🌱 Ayurvedic doctors often prescribe banana stem juice with a pinch of cardamom or cumin to enhance its therapeutic properties.

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🏁 Conclusion

The banana stem is a nutrient-rich, detoxifying, and affordable superfood that you can easily add to your meals in multiple ways. Whether you stir-fry it, make a curry, blend a juice, or toss it in a salad, you’re doing your kidneys, gut, and body a huge favor.

Don’t throw away the banana stem — turn it into a powerful health food with delicious recipes right from your kitchen.

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❓ FAQs

1. Is banana stem good for weight loss?

Yes! It's high in fiber and low in calories, making it excellent for detox and weight management.

2. How often can I drink banana stem juice?

2–3 times a week is safe for most people. For medical conditions, consult a doctor.

3. Can I freeze banana stem?

Fresh is best, but you can store it in water with lemon in the fridge for 2–3 days. Freezing may alter texture.

4. Is banana stem safe during pregnancy?

Yes, in moderation. It helps digestion and reduces water retention. Always consult your ayurveda or siddha doctor 

5. What are some quick recipes with banana stem?

Banana stem stir fry and juice are the fastest — both can be made in under 15 minutes.

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