1 Plant, 100 Uses explores the many ways familiar Indian plants, leaves, fruits and trees have been part of everyday life — from food and farming to homes, traditions and natural remedies. Each story takes one plant and uncovers the surprising ways people have found it useful, often across generations.

In many Indian homes, the banana plant is a familiar sight. People buy its fruit at local markets, and they use its leaves during festivals and family gatherings. But the plant has uses that go well beyond what most people see in their kitchens. 

Farmers and artisans have found ways to use parts usually left behind after harvest. Some have been part of Indian food traditions for generations, while others are helping turn farm waste into useful products.

Here are a few ways the banana plant is used across India.

1. Ripe bananas make an easy snack

Bananas are eaten across India as a snack or alongside breakfast. They are easy to carry and can be eaten without cooking once ripe.

The fruit is also used to make products that last longer than fresh bananas. The ICAR National Research Centre for Banana documents the processing of bananas into products such as juice and banana fig. Banana pulp can also be used in jams and other preparations.

2. Raw bananas are a kitchen staple

Raw bananas are cooked in homes across India. They are added to curries and dry vegetable dishes and are used in fried snacks.

In Kerala, raw bananas are used to make the much-loved banana chips. The Nendran variety is particularly popular for this purpose. Raw bananas can also be dried and milled into flour for use in different food products.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has documented ways to process bananas into products with a longer shelf life. Such methods can help reduce losses when fresh produce cannot be sold or consumed in time.

3. The banana flower is cooked as a vegetable

The purple flower that hangs beneath a bunch of bananas is used in several regional cuisines. Once the outer bracts are removed, the small florets can be cleaned and cooked in curries and........

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