Remove purplish-red outer bracts from banana blossoms. Discard flower-like clusters and thinly slice inner bracts widthwise on the diagonal. Place in a bowl filled with 2 litres water, lemon juice ...

The arrival of vazhaipoo (banana blossoms) at the Iyer home is always marked by frenetic activity. Fingers are generously oiled before diving into the purple bracts to get to the blossoms underneath.