The Reason Why Banana Leaves Are Used As A Food Mat

Is there any food in your place that uses banana leaves as a base or food wrapper? In Indonesia, there are many foods that use banana leaves as food wrappers which have been applied for generations by our ancestors. Banana leaves themselves in Indonesia are very easy to find and there are also many sellers who sell these banana leaves in the market.

Those who buy these banana leaves are usually food sellers, traditional cake sellers, etc. But some people also plant their own banana trees just in case when the stock of banana leaves sold in the market starts to run out.

"Then, what is the reason they use banana leaves as food wrappers?"

• natural and practical

You can imagine if using dishes, we have to wash dishes that have been used by customers until clean and of course we need a lot of soap and water. Washing dishes with soap will also leave chemical residues on the dishes.

This risks contaminating the food. The large size of the banana leaf is also able to hold the sauce without getting wet. This can be found in several food vendors such as Gado-Gado, Nasi Pecel etc.

• Adding aroma

Did you know that food wrapped in banana leaves can add aroma to the food? It turns out that banana leaves have a waxy coating that can produce a delicious aroma. When hot food is placed on a banana leaf, the wax melts and adds flavor to the food, making the food taste better. Plus the delicious aroma will arouse your appetite.

• Environmentally friendly

This is clear why most food vendors prefer to use banana leaves. That's because banana leaf wrap is considered more environmentally friendly than other food wrappers. Most vendors wrap their food in plastic or stryfoam. Such disposable wrappers contain chemicals that are harmful to the body. Moreover, these substances are very difficult to break down.

Therefore, banana leaves are a more environmentally friendly choice. Because, banana leaves are very easy to decompose in a short time. Unlike plastic which takes a long time to decompose.

• More hygienic

Banana leaves are quite hygienic to use as food wrappers. Because banana leaves don't need a lot of cleaning or anything like that. Only need to be wiped with a little water and then aerated so that the water that is wiped is dry.

Banana leaves can be easily used as containers or food wrappers. No wonder there are some sellers who decorate their plates with banana leaves. This is done to overcome the tiring dish washing.

• Healthier

Of course, using banana leaves is definitely safer than using other wrappers such as plastic or styrofoam. Because banana leaves contain natural compounds called polyphenols. This compound is also found in green tea. Polyphenols are also natural antioxidants that can prevent disease and fight free radicals.

This method can help the food absorb polyphenols from the leaves so that the nutrients will increase. Banana leaves also have antibacterial properties.

So, the other reasons I explained above can also save money. Because the price of banana leaf itself is cheaper than other wrappers. Besides being cheap, using banana leaves is also considered more practical than using wrappers which are now widely used.

How about at your place? does your place also have food vendors using banana leaves?

Lead image from google.com
Illustration image from my own capture