You might not expect to see the words Banana Ketchup together, but this interesting condiment is becoming popular in America, offering a unique flavor note.
Ketchup is an original term for sauce or condiments and wasn’t always made from tomatoes as we know it today. In fact, early forms used fish brine and other flavored liquids. This new type of ketchup is making its way to tables across America, is fruit-based, and comes from the Philippines. The Banana part is the fruitiness that comes from actual bananas, sugar, spices, and vinegar, making it a sweet condiment that tastes great on many dishes.
How can this condiment be used in cooking?
This unique ketchup is great as a dipping sauce, marinade, or as one of the many ingredients in a recipe. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor note to the dishes, making it good for grilling on meat and stir-fried dishes, and can even be tasty on burgers and fries. It might sound like it should be a specific-use condiment, but it’s become popular and versatile, making a great addition to many tables.
A new condiment brought to us by food science
Although Banana Ketchup isn’t new in the Philippines, it’s relatively new in America. The creator, Maria Orosa, received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food chemistry from the University of Washington. This gave her the knowledge to head back to her homeland and create this incredible sauce. By swapping out the tomatoes for mashed bananas and using a blend of spices, the creation came to life. She added red food coloring to make this new sauce look like its namesake.
This condiment isn’t as new as you might think
Orosa’s creation sounds brand new and like something from experimentation in the modern age, but that’s not the case. This banana-based condiment was created during World War II. There was a shortage of tomatoes in the Philippines, which led to the experimentation that would eventually become this incredible sauce. This new ketchup has the right flavors to add deliciousness to many of the same dishes as its tomato-based counterpart. This new solution made it possible for Filipinos to enjoy added flavors during a time of shortage.
Heritage is deep in this sauce
Living in an island nation means the people have to be creative and ingenious in every aspect of their lives. Sometimes, an abundance of one item means a shortage of another. This adversity led to the creation of Banana Ketchup, which eventually became a part of Filipino culinary heritage. Not only is this a tasty condiment, but it’s a symbol of the creativity and resilience of the people living on an island that often faces shortages.
This Ketchup is now a worldwide hit
With global export capabilities, this banana-based condiment has made its way into many countries where people from all areas enjoy putting it on their food. It has a unique flavor note that makes it an item that gives regular dishes a new flavor. This item has delighted adventurous foodies and become a delight as part of many international dishes. If it’s not found in your pantry yet, you might want to buy a bottle and see if it’s something you’ll enjoy on your food.
What does Banana Ketchup taste like?
If you can imagine the familiar flavors of traditional ketchup but remove the tomato flavor and replace it with the sweetness of tropical fruit, you’ll be close to the taste of this condiment. This item is sold in brown and red colors, with the red offering the familiar look of regular ketchup. The only difference between these two colors is the addition of red food coloring for the red version. Otherwise, the sweetness of bananas coupled with the vinegar and spices gives you something new to enjoy on your next hamburger.
Give it a try
When you don’t mind being a little adventurous with your food by trying new things, Banana Ketchup can easily be the right addition to your dishes. You can start by serving it on the side to see if you like the unique flavor offered. If you learn that you like this condiment on your food, it’s easy enough to add it to many dishes. Imagine using this sweet item instead of regular ketchup for your next meatloaf, on your fries, or on your next hot dog.
Banana Ketchup: who knew it could be such a popular and interesting condiment that can add sweet and savory flavors to your favorite dishes?
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