Banana stems are cylindrical and elongated with a diameter of at least five centimeters. The outer layer is a fibrous, green sheath that is tough and inedible. Unlike the outer layer, the inner core is white to pale green-yellow and is edible.
The sizes of banana stems vary depending on the health of the banana.
Banana is a unique kind of plant due to their diversified usefulness. All the banana parts benefit the farmer in one way or the other as opposed to other fruits. Although bananas are mainly grown for their fruits, the stems are functional in several ways. Some of the uses of banana stems are;
1. Compost Material
Generally, banana trees require essential elements such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to thrive. Scientific research reveals that most of these elements are deposited in fruits and stems. The idea of recycling these nutrients is appreciated and implemented by farmers. They include the stems in their compost.
Usually, it is recommended that the stalks are cut into smaller pieces to make them more effective. Bananas stalks may take longer to break down than the other compost components. To quicken decomposition, nitrogen is added to the mix. Compost manure made from banana stems is rich in nutrients and increases soil fertility.
2. Feeding Animals
Banana stems are chaffed and fed to livestock, particularly during the dry seasons. Selective animals that are fit for banana stems are heifers and dry animals. Lactating cows should not be given banana stems as it may affect the quality of milk. If banana stems are the only option, for instance, when there is a fodder shortage, banana stems should not exceed 15% of dry matter.
In circumstances where bananas are harvested in plenty, the stems can be preserved as silage. As a farmer, always ensure that you add urea while feeding your livestock to meet the energy requirements.
3. Nutritional and Health Uses
The fruits and banana leaves are parts of a banana plant with health benefits. Banana stems being part of the plant, have the following benefits;
(a) Weight loss
Banana stems are loaded with enough fiber. When the white edible core is consumed, it checks the pace at which sugar and fats are released in the body cells. Furthermore, banana stems improve metabolism and contain a body-friendly calorie value. So, banana stems can be consumed without causing any harm to the body.
(b) Healing gastric problems and acidity
Banana stem juice is a remedy for frequent acidity problems. Banana juice is a natural antacid that helps in regulating the acidic level in your body. It relieves heartburn and any other discomfort related to acidity. The acidic level in the body will always remain balanced if you drink banana stem juice.
(c) Digestion and detoxification
One of the most effective ways to cleanse your body system from ailments is by; drinking banana stem juice. Banana stem juice is diuretic and can flush out toxins from the body.
Banana juice also aids in the movement of the bowel and contains fiber for gut health.
Treating kidney stones
Banana stem juice mixed with cardamom relaxes the bladder and eases the pain aroused by kidney stones. Drinking lime juice mixed with banana stem juice prevents the formation of kidney stones. Moreover, banana stem juice relieves pain caused by urinary tract infections effectively.
(d) Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
Banana stems are rich in vitamin B6 and iron. Iron helps in increasing hemoglobin count in the body system. Banana stems also contain potassium which is a vital element controlling blood pressure. High potassium levels in the body system reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Vitamin B6 combined with potassium benefits the muscle and help the body to produce insulin and hemoglobin.
4. Craft and Household Items
Many people use banana stalks to make a variety of items. Some of the items are; table mats, picture frames, wallets, ladies’ handbags, ropes, baskets, toys, and many other things.
To use banana stalks for woven handicrafts, the stalks are shredded into strands and then dried in the sun. Dry stalks are like banana ropes. The ability of the dry stalks to bend and break easily makes them suitable for weaving.
Making natural materials from the banana stem is advantageous. The materials made from the banana stem are environmentally friendly and can last.
5. Decoration
It turns out that bananas are used in decorations. Wedding ceremonies in Indonesia utilize bananas for decoration. The stages are made to appear colorful and beautiful by attaching bouquets to banana stems. The banana stems are made the base of flower arrangement since they are sturdy and soft enough to be pierced.
Banana stems can also be used as pillars during a wedding and religious ceremonies. They are treasured by some communities who believe they signify good luck and prosperity.
6. To Grow Vegetables
It sounds almost impossible yet, practically speaking, banana trunks can grow veggies. Banana stems are usually filled with plenty of water and packed with nutrients. Planting veggies on the tree trunks is simple, efficient, and looks more beautiful.
After harvesting banana fruits, the stems are laid on the ground and rendered useless. Meanwhile, there is a way to utilize the water and nutrients in the stem. Make a banana trunk garden by following the steps below.
- Lay the banana stem horizontally on the ground.
- Make medium-sized holes on the stem and discard the debris.
- Fill the holes with rich soil.
- Sow your seeds and wait for your veggies to come out.
The Banana trunk planter method is advantageous in several ways. It requires little space and the veggies are easy to monitor. Weed problem and watering is sought