Just a glimpse of a south Indian meals platter is sufficient for us to salivate. The distinctive mix of aroma and flavours present in south Indian meals has made individuals all around the world fall in love with it. And if it is served within the conventional approach – on a banana leaf, it tastes even higher. Sadya is a well-liked celebratory meal in south, and is at all times served on a banana leaf. While gorging down all of the completely different dishes within the thali, have you ever ever questioned why meals is served on a banana leaf? Is it for well being causes or for style? It is definitely a mixture of each.

A examine printed within the ‘Journal of Ethnic Foods‘ reminds us that the usage of banana leaves dates again to the period earlier than steel utensils got here into being. Since, banana leaves had been thick, huge in measurement and in addition inexhaustible, they had been introduced into use for serving meals.

While this actually explains the comfort of utilizing banana leaves, there’s extra to its advantages for serving meals.

Also Read: Eating With Your Hands and Other Indian Food Traditions

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Why is it wholesome to eat on banana leaves?:

Protects Against Diseases:

Banana leaves naturally comprise polyphenols, a kind of antioxidants that helps construct immunity and stave off widespread diseases. It is believed that meals served on the leaf tends to soak up the polyphenols to imbue the immunity-boosting property.

Anti-Bacterial In Nature:

Banana leaves are stated to be anti-bacterial and kill the germs if current within the meals, making it more healthy and purer. This explains the usage of banana leaves for spiritual customs.

More Hygienic:

When we wash our common utensils, there’s a danger of chemical residue from the cleaning soap cleaners. But banana leaves are naturally coated with a wax-like substance that forestalls meals from sticking to its floor. So, it is simpler to clean the leaves (simply rinsing with plain water will do) and extra hygienic for reuse.

Besides these well being advantages, there are extra benefits of consuming from banana leaves that make them so in style in south Indian delicacies. For one, it’s extra economical as in comparison with steel and glass plates. And secondly, banana leaves are extra eco-friendly, particularly compared to paper plates and disposable plastic plates.

(Also Read: 5 Comfort Foods That’ll Make You Love South Indian Cuisine)

Also, let’s not neglect the enjoyment of consuming with fingers, when meals touches all our senses. Already hungry for a standard south Indian banana leaf thali? Click here to see the right way to make it.