However, some varieties grow much larger than others, with their stalks and leaves reaching up to 10 feet in height (so read the plant's description carefully before you buy!).

Blanch the banana leaves, a few at a time, in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove to a bowl of cold water, then drain, pat dry and set aside.

When the leaves look tattered and brown, cut the whole shebang to the ground, mulch it (yes, shredded banana leaves and trunks make great mulch), and wait until next spring.

Carefully unroll the grape leaves and rinse well under cold water. Blanch the leaves, a few at a time, in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly softened.

For banana trees that have not yet bloomed, the flower stalks are somewhere in the trunks now. If you cut back the trunks, you destroy the flower stalk. However, you may cut back any banana trees ...

Banana leaves add a mellow, smoky flavour to barbecued fish, ... 1 stalk lemongrass, peeled and chopped. ¼ bunch coriander leaves, chopped. ¼ bunch mint leaves, chopped. 1 tsp ground cumin.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 1 piece of chicken at one end of a banana leaf strip. Roll up chicken in leaf strip, leaving 2 sides exposed. Place wrapped chicken, with 1 exposed side down, onto ...

Take two white fish, wrap in banana leaves. Make sweet soy dressing and lemongrass dressing. Fire up the barbecue. When hot, grill fish 10 minutes each side. Unwrap and serve with dressings.