Banana Leaf

Banana leaf is a large, flexible, glossy green leaf from the banana plant. Its waxy surface resists sticking and releases a faint grassy, tea-like aroma when heated; cooks use it to wrap and steam fish, rice cakes, and tamales, to shield foods on the grill, and to line serving platters. It is commonly sold as fresh or frozen sheets and rolls.

The practice of cooking with banana leaves developed across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and spread to parts of Latin America and West Africa alongside banana cultivation. Modern supply to North American markets comes largely from tropical producers, often shipped fresh or frozen.