foto: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Brilio.net - In the modern era with various types of food packaging, banana leaves remain an irreplaceable choice. Since long ago, people have used it as a natural wrapper that is not only practical, but also gives a distinctive aroma to food. From market snacks to traditional dishes, the presence of banana leaves adds authentic value and a more special taste.
The advantages of banana leaves as a wrapper lie in their flexible nature, heat resistance, and have a natural layer that keeps food fresh. In addition, banana leaves also contain antibacterial compounds that can help maintain food hygiene. It is no wonder that until now many foods such as lemper, lontong, or pepes still faithfully use banana leaves as their main wrapper.
However, the use of banana leaves is not without challenges. If not heated first, the stiff banana leaves will tear more easily and cause food to leak. Therefore, many people choose to soften them by drying them in the sun, burning them, or even boiling them.
Well, instead of using such a troublesome method, you can use a simpler method to make banana leaves stronger. This method was once used by the owner of the Instagram account @lafina_indonesia. Through one of the videos uploaded, she admitted to only using a simpler technique to make banana leaves flexible.
how to bend banana leaves
Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
As reported by BrilioFood from Instagram @lafina_indonesia on Thursday (6/2), the technique used is to pour hot water over the banana leaves. So, first, you just need to put the banana leaves in a container. Make sure the banana leaves have been washed beforehand to remove dust and dirt.
how to bend banana leaves
Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Next, boil the water in a pan until it really boils. Then pour the hot water into the container containing the banana leaves. Then press or flip the banana leaves until all parts are evenly exposed to hot water. If so, let it sit for a while until the water is a little cold.
how to bend banana leaves
Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Then, lift the banana leaf. Well, the texture of the soaked banana leaf becomes more flexible. This condition certainly makes the banana leaf easier to use later. When used to wrap food, the banana leaf will not tear easily and will be stronger.
Basically, pouring hot water on banana leaves makes them more flexible because the heat helps break down and soften the stiff cellulose structure of the leaves. Banana leaves have a natural waxy coating that makes them somewhat stiff and prone to cracking when folded. When exposed to hot water, this waxy coating melts slightly, making the leaves more flexible and easier to shape without tearing.
In addition, heat also helps loosen the fibers in the leaves, making them more elastic and resistant to the food wrapping process. This is why many people use this method before wrapping foods such as lontong or pepes, so that the banana leaves can adjust to the shape of the contents without breaking easily.
(brl/ola)
