Banana blossom is often used as a vegan substitute for what?

Banana blossom is the flower that grows at the end of banana bunches. It is purple, fleshy and can be eaten cooked or raw. It is traditionally cooked in South East Asian cuisine, where it is added to soups, curries and salads. Although it grows from bananas, it does not taste like bananas; instead it’s flavour is quite mild and more similar to artichokes.

Banana blossom has a meaty, tender texture that can resemble meat, making it a great plant-based alternative to substitute in our favourite dishes. It is also significant because it can be used to recreate the texture of fish, which is notoriously difficult to replicate with plants. It also has a mild flavour and so it can hold seasoning well to taste like fish and meat when done right.