If you enjoy Indian cuisine, you might have noticed that Indian food — South Indian food, in particular — is often served on banana leaves rather than on actual plates. But did you know that banana leaf plates are not used just for aesthetic purposes? There are many reasons behind their use in Indian tradition.
In Indian tradition, banana leaves are considered sacred. They are used to present offerings to the Hindu deities and are considered staples at important events such as weddings and family gatherings.
There are even health benefits to using banana leaves as plates! The natural antioxidants found in banana leaves can be absorbed by the food. Plus, they come with a nice aroma that can be absorbed by the food as well.
Worried about the hygiene of using banana leaves? Worry not, because the wax-like coating on the leaves prevents dirt and dust from sticking onto the surface. Banana leaves are even said to have antibacterial properties.
But above all, banana leaf plates are economical and environmentally friendly. Not only are they cheaper than other kinds of disposable cutlery, they are also biodegradable and have less repercussions on the environment.
More people have begun to catch onto the benefits of this tradition! For occasions that require disposable plates, you can now consider using banana leaves. It is time to go green!
At Eastspring Investments, we strive to be just as conscious about our actions and how it affects the environment. We integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in all our investment processes. Learn more about us.