Below is a list of all known varieties for Banana Blossom. Click on a variety name to view more detailed nutrient and sourcing information.
| Variety Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Banana Blossom (Canned in Brine) | The tender hearts, sliced and preserved in a salt brine. A common, convenient form used in Asian salads. |
| Banana Blossom (Canned in Water) | The tender hearts, sliced and preserved in water. A less salty alternative to the brined version. |
| Banana Blossom (Cooked) | The tender hearts, which are sliced and cooked in curries or stir-fries, where they have a texture similar to artichoke. |
| Banana Blossom (Fresh) | The entire purple, tear-shaped bud. The outer, dark "petals" (bracts) are tough, but the inner, pale hearts are the edible part. |
| Banana Blossom (Fresh, Whole) | The entire, large, purple, tear-shaped flower bud. Requires prep to remove tough outer bracts and access the tender inner hearts. |
| Banana Blossom (Raw) | The very fine, shredded inner hearts, often soaked in acidulated water. Used raw in Vietnamese and Thai salads for a crisp, slightly tannic crunch. |
| Banana Blossom Bracts (Outer Petals) | The tough, purple, leaf-like "petals" (bracts). While not typically eaten, they are used as small, decorative, boat-like serving vessels. |
| Banana Blossom Florets | The small, yellow-white, unopened flowers found between the bracts. The bitter stamen is removed, and the florets are used in salads. |
| Banana Blossom Hearts (Canned) | The pale, tender, inner hearts, canned in brine. Used in Southeast Asian salads (like in Thai or Vietnamese cuisine). |
| Banana Blossom Hearts (Tender Core) | The pale, tender, inner core of the blossom, which is the primary part used in salads and cooking. |
| Saba Banana Blossom | The blossom from the Saba banana, a common cultivar in the Philippines, where it is used in dishes like "Puso ng Saging". |
| Thai Banana Blossom | Refers to the blossoms from Thai banana varieties, which are a key ingredient in dishes like Pad Thai (fresh garnish) and Tom Yum soup. |