A banana flower, also known as a banana blossom, is a large, dark purple-red blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. Its shape is somewhat torpedo-like, and it hangs from banana trees (genus Musa) with rows of small flowers encased between its tough, purplish bracts.
The inner, more tender parts of the banana flower are used in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asian and Indian dishes. When prepared and cooked, banana flowers impart a subtle, slightly earthy flavor somewhat akin to artichoke hearts but with a bitter undertone.
In terms of its scent profile, the banana flower itself does not emit a strong fragrance. Any scent that it may have is delicate and mildly floral, blending with a certain vegetal earthiness. This is quite different from the sweet, fruity aroma typically associated with banana fruit. The aroma is nuanced and can vary slightly depending on the degree of freshness and the specific cultivation conditions of the banana plant.