Multipurpose banana leaves, Trivandrum, in Thiruvananthapuram

From the archive record

South Indian food and Filipino food(introduced to the Philippines by Hindu merchants) is usually served on a banana leaf. Banana leaves are large, flexible, and waterproof. Especially in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in every occasion the food must be served in a banana leaf and as a part of the food a banana is served. The Banana leaf is also used to add aroma to the food. Steamed with dishes they impart a subtle sweet flavor. They often serve as a wrapping for grilling food. The leaves contain the juices, protect food from burning and add a subtle flavor. In Tamil Nadu (India) leaves are fully dried and used as packing material for food stuffs and also making cups to hold liquid foods. The dried leaves are called 'Vaazhai-ch- charugu' in Tami