Filipino banana ketchup: a sweet and tangy twist on a classic condiment

Original post date: April 24, 2023

Banana ketchup is a staple condiment in Filipino cuisine that has been around for over a century. This sweet and tangy condiment is made from mashed bananas, vinegar, sugar, and spices and is used to add flavour to a variety of dishes.

Despite its name, banana ketchup does not taste like traditional ketchup made from tomatoes. Instead, it has a unique flavour profile that is a blend of sweet and tangy, making it the perfect addition to many dishes.

It is often used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, such as fried chicken, hotdogs, and French fries. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats, giving them a delicious and distinctive flavour.

One of the great things about banana ketchup is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet, and adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. Whether you're looking to add a touch of sweetness to your fried chicken or you want to add a unique twist to your hotdog, banana ketchup is a perfect choice.

If you're looking to try banana ketchup for the first time, or you're a fan of the condiment and want to add it to your pantry, be sure to try RoniB's Kitchen's Banana Ketchup. Made with high-quality ingredients, our ketchup is the perfect addition to any meal and will help you transform your dishes.

So, why not give banana ketchup a try and add a touch of Filipino flavour to your next meal?

History

The history of banana ketchup dates back to World War II, when there was a shortage of tomato ketchup due to limited imports. In an effort to find an alternative, Maria Orosa, has been acknowledged as the person who developed this famous sauce made from locally available ingredients, including bananas.

Banana ketchup quickly became a staple in Filipino households and can now be found in most grocery stores in the Philippines. In recent years, its popularity has spread beyond the Philippines and it can now be found in many Asian grocery stores around the world.

While its origins may have been rooted in necessity, banana ketchup has become a beloved part of Filipino cuisine and a staple condiment for many households. From its humble beginnings to its status as a staple in Filipino households, the history of banana ketchup is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Filipino people.

Difference between the Filipino and Caribbean banana ketchup

Filipino banana ketchup and Caribbean banana ketchup have some similarities, but there are also some differences between the two. Both versions of banana ketchup are made from mashed bananas, vinegar, sugar, and spices, but the specific ingredients and ratios can vary.

In the Philippines, banana ketchup is sweeter and thicker than its Caribbean counterpart. The Filipino version of the ketchup often has a brighter colour and a sweeter taste, which makes it popular as a dipping sauce for fried foods and grilled dishes.

In contrast, Caribbean banana ketchup is generally made with a blend of yellow and green bananas and has a more savoury flavour profile. The Caribbean version of the ketchup is often used as a condiment for meats and other dishes and is known for its tangy and slightly spicy flavour.

So, while both versions of banana ketchup share some similarities, there are also some distinct differences between the two. If you're looking to try banana ketchup, be sure to try both the Filipino and Caribbean versions to see which one you prefer.

RoniB's Kitchen Banana Ketchup

After two years in product development, Roni unveiled her version of this famous condiment in September 2022 in catering sizes after receiving requests from restauranteur friends to re-create this product. Adhering to her mantra of using only natural ingredients, taming the oxidation of the bananas was the biggest challenge.

Ketchup red colour was achieved by using beetroot powder and led to the breakthrough.

The first offering was in 1 Kilo Jerry cans supplying three restaurants in London.

Shortly after releasing the catering size, Roni decided to try introducing it in retail size and today, it is one of the company's fastest-selling products.

Why not give it a try by ordering a bottle?

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