Everything banana? From Madeira to fried bananas – a culinary journey of discovery
Whether sweet, savory, fresh, dried, or crunchy – bananas are true all-rounders in the kitchen. In our Banana Week , we take a delightful look at the diversity of this tropical fruit. We'll examine special varieties like the aromatic Madeira banana , the robust plantain , and various snack options . We'll also share tips, recipes, and amazing facts you probably didn't know before!
Origin & Diversity – More than just “the one banana”
Most bananas we find in the supermarket are of the Cavendish variety. They usually come from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, or Costa Rica and are bred for yield, transportability, and uniformity. But the real diversity begins when we look more closely.
During Banana Week, specialties are therefore in the spotlight:
- Madeira bananas – small, aromatic, grown in Europe
- Cooking and fried bananas – starchy and suitable for savory dishes
- Dried banana products – for healthy and varied snacks
Madeira bananas: taste from the Atlantic
The Madeira banana is a special delicacy. It is cultivated on the Portuguese island of the same name using traditional, small-scale farming methods. The volcanic soil, the high altitude, and the year-round mild climate ensure an intense flavor that is second to none.
Cultivated by hand and with much love, this banana comes from small local farmers who focus on sustainable and fair trade.
Why are Madeira bananas so special?
- Size: usually smaller than conventional supermarket bananas
- Consistency: firmer, juicier
- Taste: concentrated, fruity, with natural sweetness
- Maturation: slower, resulting in more aromatic substances
- Transport: shorter route → fresher goods from EU cultivation
Gourmet tip: Madeira bananas taste great on their own, on yogurt, or flambéed with cinnamon and rum. They're also unbeatable in banana bread!
Fried & plantain bananas – the savory insider tip
Plantains develop a wonderful flavor when heated. Depending on their ripeness, their color changes—from green (firm, neutral) to yellow (mild) to black (sweet, soft). Their uses are diverse:
- Grilling: Grill whole green plantains with the skin on – the skin protects the flesh and provides an intense aroma.
- Cooking: Cut into pieces, cook, and enjoy plain or refine with a little cinnamon. Also popular as banana soup or puree, e.g. B. as a side dish to hearty dishes.
- Roast: Cut into slices and fry in a little butter over low heat until golden brown – perfect with rice, vegetables or meat.
- Deep frying: Cut into thin slices and fry briefly in coconut oil. Then sweeten (e.g. B. with cinnamon & sugar) or spicy (e.g. e.g. with salt & paprika) – perfect as a snack or side dish.
Recipe: Fried plantains with dip
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plantains
- Oil for frying
- 1 lemon or lime
- 2 tbsp yogurt or vegan substitute
- Salt, chili, fresh coriander
Preparation:
Cut bananas into thick slices and fry in oil until golden brown. For the dip, combine lemon or lime juice with yogurt, chili, and herbs. Serve warm – a tropical treat!
Dried bananas – snack variety for every pocket
Dried bananas offer a healthy alternative to traditional sweets. Depending on how they are processed, they vary in taste, consistency, and possible uses:
The products at a glance:
-
Dried banana pieces :
➝ Soft, fruity, sweet – perfect for baking or as a muesli ingredient -
Naturally dried banana slices :
➝ 100% natural and pure banana flavor – ideal as a snack -
Roasted banana chips :
➝ Crispy and crunchy with the full, natural banana flavor – filling and tasty -
Banana chips “Choice” with honey :
➝ Refined with honey in the finest quality – for those with a sweet tooth & connoisseurs
Tip: Combine different varieties to create your own banana snack mix with nuts, dried berries, and cocoa nibs!
Culinary ideas around bananas
-
Breakfast:
Smoothie with Madeira banana, oat drink, peanut butter and cocoa
→ energetic & creamy! -
Snack:
Spread banana chips with almond butter and sprinkle with cocoa nibs
→ sweet, crunchy & high in protein! -
Dessert:
Baked banana with honey, sesame & yogurt
→ Oriental delight! -
Hearty:
Plantain curry with chickpeas & coconut milk
→ exotic, warming & vegan!
Simple banana bread – moist & super easy
Ingredients (for 1 loaf pan):
- 3 very ripe bananas (preferably Madeira bananas!)
- 2 eggs
- 80 ml neutral oil (e.g. B. rapeseed or coconut oil )
- 80–100 g brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, makes it fluffier)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g flour (wheat or spelt)
- Optional: 50 g chopped nuts, chocolate chips or banana chips
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat). Grease a loaf pan or line it with baking paper.
- Mash bananas well with a fork.
- Add eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla to the bananas and mix well.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and possibly baking soda) and fold in – do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the pan. Optional: Top with a halved banana or sprinkle with nuts/chips.
- Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes. Test with a skewer.
- Let it cool briefly, then remove from the mold.
Tips & Variations:
- With banana chips “Choice” with honey as a topping it gets extra crunch and sweetness
- For chocolate fans: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder + dark chocolate pieces
- For vegan banana bread: Replace eggs with 2 tablespoons of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of chia + 3 tablespoons of water
Amazing banana facts
- The banana is the fourth most important food crop in the world after wheat, rice and corn.
- In Uganda, per capita consumption is over 200 kg per year !
- The banana is one of the few fruits that bears fruit without pollination .
- Its curved shape is created because it grows against gravity , i.e. “towards the sun”.
- World record for most bananas peeled in 1 minute: 8
- The banana was the first product with a barcode (1974 in a supermarket in Ohio)
- Some banana varieties, e.g. B. the “ Blue Java Banana ” taste like vanilla ice cream (hence also called “ Ice Cream Banana ” !)
Conclusion: The banana deserves more attention
The banana is more than just a snack. It is culturally rooted , culinary versatile , and often underestimated in its diversity. Banana Week invites you to discover new flavors, promote sustainability through regional varieties, and have fun cooking and tasting.
Whether for breakfast, as a main course or on the go: the banana is always a good choice.
Which banana product surprised you?
Do you have your own favorite recipe or a tip from your kitchen?
Feel free to share it with us!
