Trend Insights: Bananas

Bananas are inexpensive, versatile and familiar. They have the ability to transform the texture of dishes, especially in thickening sauces and drinks, and act as a hydrocolloid, lending the benefit of their sweet, floral flavor without adding extra fats.

CHRIS AQUILINO

Tap into a comfort-meets-tropical vacation mindset for an easy approach to applying bananas in beverages. Different ripeness levels provide for inspired cross-utilization from the kitchen to the bar. A spin on the popular Old Fashioned might pair a premium aged rum with a caramelized banana syrup and bitters. Or, create a delicious coffee frappé using banana syrup, mocha and espresso.

TONY PEREYRA

Mindful of today’s product shortages and produce quality challenges, bananas are a fruit you can always count on and even use past their prime. From fresh and frozen to baked, roasted and grilled, bananas fit on almost any menu in applications ranging from beverages to entrées to desserts. They are the MacGyver of fruit.

KATHY CASEY