Banana leaves are among cooking materials supplied by nature not supermarkets in some parts of the world and, like corn husks, make a perfect wrapper for dishes from South East Asia to Latin America. The one in the picture wraps steamed mushroom-stuffed Asian rice.

Fresh banana leaves from the Philippines can be found at Todos Market, 14450 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, but call 703 490 4907 first to be sure. It's also worth calling larger Oriental groceries to check on stocks of fresh leaves. I've seen them at the Eden Center on occasion.

They can be found frozen at Americana Grocery (see the MD and VA phone books for its several branches.

At Dashen Ethiopian Market, 8474 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, they wrap the base of a cake-like bread.

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