7 Great ways To Use...
Jamaican Banana

Jamaican Banana

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Jamaican Banana is one of the few products still exported by Jamaica, and rightly so because the island has it in abundance. So in true Jamaican fashion, we have come up with many ways to enjoy bananas more than just peeling them back when they are ripe and boiling them when they are green.

So here are some tasty ways to make use of your Jamaican banana.

1. Banana Fritters

Jamaican Banana Fritters

We all love ripe bananas but, they will overripe or go bad in the blink of an eye. You don’t have to throw out your bananas when they become very ripe, banana fritters are the perfect way to make use of them.

Just grab those ripe bananas, the riper the better, crush them out with a fork as much as possible, then add your flour, salt and a bit of water. Mix together then fry on both sides until golden brown. Because of the high sugar content in ripe bananas, they may burn easily so keep a close eye on them.

2. Banana Dumplings

By now you know of boiled dumplings and how it’s a favourite among Jamaicans right? Well, when I was growing up, my mom absolutely hated plain flour dumplings so she would add other ingredients to the flour.

Grated green bananas were one of them, and it actually tastes quite good. Plus, it is a great way to stretch your flour if you are running out.

3. Tie-A-Leaf/Blue Drawz

Jamaican Banana Tie-A-Leaf/Duckunoo

This boiling pudding has several names, including Blue Draws, Duckunoo, and Tie-A-Leaf, and it originated in West Africa. This delicious dish is a starchy, cooked pudding made with green bananas that are typically eaten as a dessert.

But it can also be used as a snack. To make this quite easy, all you need to do is combine all your ingredients together, which should include grated banana, flour, coconut milk, sugar and other spices.

Place a scoop of the mixture on a piece of banana leaf, using it to encase the mixture, tying it all together with a string of banana bark. Add to a pot of boing water then cook for an hour. The tie-a-leaf is best had warm. It’s a sweet treat that everyone enjoys.

4. Strong Back With Bananas

Strongback is a term used by Jamaicans to describe a beverage that contains a variety of substances and is thought to promote vigour, strength, and vitality. Raw peanuts, ripe bananas, oats, a milky ingredient like Supligen, condensed milk, or Lasco, as well as other ingredients are required for authentic Jamaican energy beverages.

When crafting a drink for stamina, a brew or tonic like Dragon, Guinness, Baba Roots, or even Magnum is crucial. A strong back can be made without banana but for most, it is a preferred option.

5. Banana Porridge

Growing up banana porridge was one of my all-time favourites. It is smooth and creamy and oh so delicious. This is another dish that requires some green bananas. You can choose to blend or grate your bananas, I prefer it blended as it gives it a smoother texture versus the more lumpy texture when it’s grated.

You will also need to add some vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon power, a pinch of salt, sugar and vanilla Lasco or condensed milk (some people even use both).

It doesn't take more than 30 minutes to make and will definitely keep you full. Plus all the amazing benefits green bananas bring such as iron, fibre, potassium and many more, make a healthy way to break your fast in the morning.

6. Banana Bread

Jamaican Banana Bread

This is another great way to make use of well-ripped bananas. It is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. All you need are butter, sugar, egg, ripe bananas, cinnamon powder, nutmeg and vanilla. Oh and milk too, raisins are a great option as well.

7. Banana Chips

Jamaican Banana Chips | St. Mary's Banana Chips

These are not often times made at home but can be found in every supermarket. To make them at home all you need to do is to slice your green bananas into thin slices and fried until crisp. Sprinkle with some salt and you have a delicious snack.

There you have it, 7 great ways to make use of the Jamaican banana.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Snacks from Jamaican Banana Dishes
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Banana Dishes

References & Sources For Jamaican Banana Dishes

1. Jamaican Duckunoo (Blue Draws or Tie-A-Leaf), https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican-duckunoo-blue-draws-or-tiealeaf.html
2. Jamaican Stamina Drinks | A Delicious Source Of Energy, https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_stamina_drinks.html

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Jamaica At The Paris Olympics | Grab Yuh Pot Cova!

   Jul 27, 24 02:02 AM

   
   Grab yuh dutchie pot cova because its that time again! Jamaica at the Paris Olympics 2024? We will certainly dominate like we always do.

   Read More

2. Feedback On Ranking Of Jamaican High Schools

   Jul 26, 24 11:53 PM

   There you have it - the best of the best high schools in Jamaica! I'd ♥ love to hear from you though. Do you agree with the results? 🤔 Do you think

   Read More

3. History of Track and Field in Jamaica

   Jul 26, 24 02:18 PM

   
   Jamaica has become synonymous with athletic excellence, let's take a look at where it all began and the history of track and field in Jamaica.

   Read More

4. Easy Jamaican Saltfish Run Down Recipe

   Jul 25, 24 07:04 PM

   
   This easy Jamaican Saltfish Run Down recipe is creamy, rich in flavour and brimming with coconut goodness.

   Read More

5. Best Places To Live In Kingston Jamaica

   Jul 25, 24 10:25 AM

   
   Finding a suitable place to live in Kingston can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. Here are the best places to live in Kingston Jamaica.

   Read More