Deutsch: Lakatan / Español: Lakatan / Português: Lakatan / Français: Lakatan / Italian: Lakatan
Lakatan refers to a variety of banana that is widely cultivated and consumed in the Philippines. Known for its sweet flavour and firm texture, Lakatan bananas are one of the most popular and preferred banana varieties in Filipino cuisine.
Description
Lakatan bananas are characterised by their bright yellow peel and sweet, fragrant flesh. They are typically shorter and stubbier than the Cavendish bananas commonly found in Western supermarkets but are prized in the Philippines for their superior taste. The flesh of the Lakatan banana is firm yet creamy, making it ideal for both eating raw and using in various culinary preparations.
In the food context, Lakatan bananas are versatile. They are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert on their own, but they are also used in various traditional Filipino dishes. For instance, they are a key ingredient in turon, a popular Filipino snack where bananas are wrapped in spring roll wrappers, fried, and coated with caramelised sugar. They are also used in banana cue, where they are skewered and deep-fried with brown sugar, creating a sweet, crispy coating.
Lakatan bananas are often confused with other banana varieties like Latundan or Saba, but they are distinct in flavour and texture. While the Latundan is slightly tart and the Saba is more starchy and often used for cooking, the Lakatan is purely sweet and primarily eaten as a dessert banana.
Special Considerations
Lakatan bananas have a relatively short shelf life compared to other banana varieties. They ripen quickly, especially in warm climates, and are best consumed within a few days of ripening. To extend their shelf life, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, but not in the refrigerator, as this can cause the peel to turn brown prematurely.
Application Areas
Lakatan bananas are used in a variety of culinary contexts, including:
- Snacks and Desserts: Eaten raw or used in sweets like turon and banana cue.
- Smoothies and Shakes: Due to their sweet flavour, Lakatan bananas are ideal for blending into smoothies or shakes.
- Filipino Cuisine: Integrated into traditional Filipino desserts and snacks.
Well-Known Examples
Notable dishes and preparations featuring Lakatan bananas include:
- Turon: A Filipino snack where Lakatan bananas are wrapped in spring roll wrappers, fried, and coated with caramelised sugar.
- Banana Cue: Skewered Lakatan bananas fried with brown sugar, a popular street food in the Philippines.
- Ginataang Minatamis na Saging: A traditional dessert made with Lakatan bananas cooked in coconut milk and sugar.
Similar Terms
- Latundan: Another variety of banana in the Philippines, with a slightly tart flavour and softer texture.
- Saba: A starchy banana variety used in cooking, particularly in dishes like ginataang halo-halo or nilagang saging.
- Cavendish: The most common banana variety worldwide, known for its longer shelf life and milder flavour.
Articles with 'Lakatan' in the title
- Saging (Lakatan): Saging (Lakatan) refers to a specific variety of banana that is popular in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. The Lakatan banana is known for its vibrant yellow-orange color when ripe, which distinguishes it from the more . . .
Summary
Lakatan is a beloved banana variety in the Philippines, known for its sweet taste and firm texture. It is a staple in Filipino snacks and desserts, often enjoyed raw or used in dishes like turon and banana cue. Despite its short shelf life, the Lakatan banana remains a favourite for its superior flavour, making it an integral part of Filipino cuisine.
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