Ever wondered why traditional food (sadhya) is served on
banana leaf in Hindu culture. Food is served on Banana leaf in South India especially
in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and in some areas is Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Sadhya during Onam, marriage, other traditional functions and food in Hindu temple
is usually served on plantain leaf.
- Banana leaf contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) and this makes the leaf an excellent source of antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal.
- Chlorophyll found in the leaf is transferred into the food through the pores in the leaf. This helps in digestion and detoxification. This is one reason why leaves of various trees and plants are used for serving food in Hinduism.
- Plantain was widely found in South India especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This is the reason why this particular leaf was chosen to serve traditional food.
- The leaf was easy to dispose off and it became a fertilizer in due course of time.
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