“Go pour on some banana ketchup” our tour guide instructed us as we were indulging in our buffet of local flavors (in St. Lucia of course).
Banana Ketchup? My first reaction was, “ewww”, what the f*@&?!?! And you are probably thinking the same thing. I don’t blame you.
But it’s glorious. Incredibly delicious. A unique flavor and color. And I can’t figure out why stores in the states haven’t stocked their shelves with it yet!
Some facts I learned about Banana Ketchup while in St. Lucia:
Don’t like the consistency of ketchup? No worries!
The island also makes banana-tinged versions of barbecue and hot sauce as well. Mmm. Among other banana-infused foods.
So instead of taking home a stupid hat or t-shirt as a souvenir, bring your loved one’s some banana ketchup. Just know that they will probably have the same questionable reaction that most have when first hearing about this sticky yellow substance…
I found a recipe for banana ketchup, but considering it takes over 2 hours, and a whole long list of ingredients, you might as well just take a short ride to the island and pick some up yourself for about $3 a bottle.
the bananas are kept in bags on the island to prevent from ripening to soon, protection from insects, and scarring of the banana exterior
If you’re looking for a new exotic flavor to add to your marinades, BBQ, or any other dish, I would really consider banana ketchup. There is no sugar, and only sweetened with bananas. Making it a healthy choice! 🙂
So go try the secret taste of the Caribbean, I double dare you.
Has anyone had this interesting atomic yellow flavor before?!?! Because I would put it on anything and everything if I could.
I definitely opened this post thinking 'ewww'. I've seen banana served in a lot of different ways around the world, particularly in Asia … but never as a sauce. Or wine. But it sounds really interesting. We're hoping to go to the Philippines this year. Maybe I'll try it there.
I thought the same thing, but it was actually pretty tasty! Nothing like I expected it to be! Definitely try it in Asia! 🙂
This post totally intrigued me only because I love banana ketchup. I'm Filipino and yes, the red variety is very popular in the Philippines and among the Filipinos in the US. We use it as a sauce for a lot of things including spaghetti and to dip egg rolls. They're sold in Asian markets here in the west coast. I didn't know it was in St. Lucia too. That sign has made curious about banana wine. 🙂
thats so awesome- glad you like it also! I didn't actually get to try banana wine, but if the ketchup is a sense as to how the wine is, I'm sure it's just as good. Thanks for the info about the red variety being sold out west in the US. I'll have to look for it next time I'm out there! And thanks for the comment! 🙂
ha ha, love it! Didn't get a chance to taste it when I was in St Lucia last week, but sounds delish!
I definitely recommend it! Wish they had it here in the US! Guess I'll have to go back soon!
Hahaha who knew?!! Sounds pretty interesting, not sure how I'd like ti but certainly willing to give it a try
It was good, very tropical tasting. I liked it, although I've heard that some do not. It's a rather unique flavor
My first thought was "yuk!". I like bananas but can't quite imagine it…I guess if it's like chutney that might make it okay. Food for thought, so to speak.Pauleen (A to Z on http://troppnt.wordpress.com
We have banana catsup/ketchup in the Philippines, too. Love it over rice and fried spam. But it's red there. (And I never even thought about writing a blog post about it!)