For a vegan fish stand-in, go bananas

Anyone following trends in vegan food has probably crossed paths with jackfruit. It’s a popular alternative to shredded chicken or pulled pork, thanks to its ability to be torn into hearty ribbons that mimic the chew of meat.

A new product now available in stores does a similar thing for fish: Upton’s Naturals Banana Blossom. The brand packs banana blossoms, which have a tender, flaky texture similar to an artichoke heart but with a bit more bite, in shelf-stable pouches in a lime juice and salt brine.

I recently received a sample of

Upton’s banana blossoms and had a chance to play with them in the kitchen. And so far, I like what I’m seeing.

For starters, this product is not like a number of plant-based meat alternatives that are processed in a way that makes every effort to seem like meat, be it in a burger, fried chicken sandwich or other recipe. These are definitely recognizable as part of a plant and a relatively familiar one for anyone who has a banana tree in their yard.

Aside from the brine it’s packed in, the banana blossoms don’t have a lot of flavor on their own. And while they look very different from fish — banana blossoms are purple, for starters

— that neutral flavor and pullapart texture makes a credible stand-in for a mild, flaky fillet of whiting or haddock once battered and fried.

If I have one complaint, it’s that a few stray tough fibers remain in the blossoms, much like you’d encounter in an artichoke heart. Besides those stringy bits, these banana blossoms are worth a try if you’re vegan or simply trying to eat less meat.

Upton’s Naturals Upton’s Naturals Banana Blossom have a tender, flaky texture that does well battered and fried.