• If you are new to using banana stem and here in this post I will give you few tips to choose proper banana stem and step by step method to cut them.

Selection of banana stem:

• When you are buying banana stem from nearby market or store, try to select the ones which are fresh, white or cream with no discolouration at the centre. If the stem is tender, small, less fibre content.
• Another point to keep in mind is the inner stem should not be too big or too small. If it’s too big, they will be more mature and highly fibrous. It becomes difficult to cut such banana stem.
• The green sheath or layer outside is inedible and cannot be removed easily. This outer layer can be two or three layers depending on those available in the market. The outer layer is green when the plant is young and has few layers surrounding the inner pith. However, as the plant matures, this outer layer thickens and more in number.
• Below this layer is the edible white, yellowish green pith. They are somewhat sweet and tart if you taste them.
• If the inner pith is too small, you will have many outer layers to remove. So, select ones that are medium sized.
• The first step is to prevent the discolouration of chopped stem before cooking. This can be done in many ways.
• The second method is to add chopped pieces into tamarind water, this prevents discolouration.
• Another method is adding this chopped banana stem to buttermilk. When you plan to cook, simply squeeze out the buttermilk and use the pieces. I have followed the second method
• If you don’t find buttermilk, add 2 to 3 tablespoon of curd to water and then soak the chopped banana stem until use.

Chopping banana stem:

• Make a slit on all sides of the outer layer of stem. Simply remove this layer.
• Again, make a slit on next layer, remove this layer as well.
• Continue this step of removing the outer layer until you reach the inner pith.
• You will find a thin layer of outer skin attaching to inner pith, which can be simply peeled off as shown in the video.
• If you still feel there is fibre covering and finding it hard to make slices, we can remove this by following simple method. Cut into slices, simply pull out the fibres by rubbing the slices in circular motion.
• Make thin slices of banana stem. At this point you can chop them directly or dunk them in tamarind water until you use (may be for 1 hour).
• While chopping them, keep the slices one above the other and chop them fine as per your requirement.
• Put these chopped banana stem into tamarind water until you cook them.
• This is so easy to clean and cut the banana stem, so next time you find banana stem in the market, don’t stop yourself from buying this super healthy ingredient.