Herb Bananas - Yes Bananas Are a Herb

Bananas have always been a treat right from being a kid, and what a treat. The banana was always the favourite fruit, they always went first from the fruit bowl.

It was only recently that I realised that bananas are actually a herb, in fact it holds nature's world record for being the biggest herb as it grow up to 40 feet high. They don't have have stems of wood like trees do and the fruits grow in bunches at the end of the stem, which is made up of overlapping leaves that trap rainwater.

The banana is native to southeast Asia, plantains which are a close relative grows in the tropical regions and indeed are a staple food in many parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Fruit, vegetable or herb, the banana has a main say in many foods products worldwide and the health benefits that they give justify the banana as a health food.

Most plantains are inedible until cooked, usually boiled and then fried or pickled. They have a high starch element in green bananas and plantains. When they ripen they turn yellow and as the starch transforms into sugar. Some varieties of bananas turn red when ripe.

Bananas and plantains are low in fat and rich in fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folic acid all required for a good diet. It has been said that the banana is the only food that you can solely live on as it has all essential the nutrient and vitamin to survive.

The skin of the ripe banana has anti-microbial properties that fight against bacteria. A little known fact is that the inside of the peel is also good for treating mild cases of sunburn. The sugars in ripe bananas provide a quick source of energy, many sportsmen and women use the banana as the perfect snack to keep them going.

Another little know fact is that the bananas are one of the top five fruits least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residue in production as it doesn’t have too many problems with pest and diseases.

Did you also know that a few species of banana are hardy enough to grow outdoors in temperate gardens? Even novice gardeners can grow bananas easily. Kits can be bought from many good garden centres and most are grown in a pot.

Finally, the best treat and my favourite milkshake is the banana version. My own recipe is given here but you can tweak it as I like it sweeten by honey - You can use sugar instead if you wish. I make this in Bulgarian from the cream, milk and honey from my neighbours' cows and bees respectively; the bananas are imported and remain big treat here.

Banana Milkshake Recipe

Ingredients:

350 ml full-fat milk
1 tbsp cream (single or double)
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1-2 ripe bananas
Ice cubes

Method:

Just whack the lot into a liquidiser on full for 30 seconds, pour and serve.

Note:
In the winter sometimes I skip the ice and use hot milk, it's just as good and a great winter warmer!

Sesame Seeds - Black White and Red Included

Sesame are generally known as the seeds from the sesame herb. This is the most used seed globally and is a main source of inclusion in foods in the Middle East. Sesame foods such as tahini and halva originated from there.

Sesame seeds are often used in breads dishes and sprinkled on both sweet and savoury dishes. The sesame herb can be eaten raw, dried, or roasted or cooked with all kinds of foods, it is entirely versatile. It contains amino acids and this has been proven benefits for a healthy body.

In the Middle East sesame seeds are regarded as the seeds of immortality. Rich in over 50% of oil it also contains 20 percent protein and beneficial vitamins, A, B and E. Its mineral elements contain a high Zinc content, alongside calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Sesame as a result are an excellent source of calcium ands would benefit in a natural calcium supplement for those who can't drink milk from cows. The seeds have also been found to give a mild antioxidant effect. They possess a skin softening agent and are used as nourishing tonics as well as a laxative.

There are three varieties of sesame, the black seed, white seed and red seed.

• The black seeds yields the best oil and also most appropriate for medicinal purposes.
  

• The white seeded sesame is used for its calcium content

• The red seeds are rich in iron is used in foods that lack iron.

The oil is highly praised for its medicinal value and used in Indian food as it has a fine flavor and high boiling point which is characteristic of Indian food.

The use of sesame seeds in sweet meats or as a ground paste with water and butter to treat hemorrhoids. Externally it is an excellent remedy for ulcers, burns and scalds. In addition the sesame seed cures dysentery and diarrhea problems as well as respiratory and menstrual disorders.

The seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will be fine for up to 3 months or refrigerated up to 6 months. They can of course be frozen and will keep for a year.

A final interesting fact on sesame is that the Chinese believe that sesame soup is great for growing hair and good health. I have found aone such recipe which you may wish to try. Have your comb at the ready.

Chinese Sesame Soup (For Hair Growth)

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of long-grain white rice
* 1 cup of black sesame seeds
* 1 tbspn of granulated sugar

Method:

In seperate containers wash and drain the rice and sesame seeds. Over a low heat, dry stir-fry the sesames seeds in wok for around 5 minutes. Make sure they do not burn.

The rice should be ground and toasted with the sesame seeds with few tablespoons of water. This can be done in a blender or food processor.

Add the mixture with 2 cups of of water into a saucepan and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add the sugar and the soup is ready to for serving.

Note: It has to be fresh and cannot be stored or frozen.