Banana Chips FAQ: Your Crispy Queries Answered!

1) Are banana chips healthy?

Banana chips contain nutritional content such as potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which helps in healthy digestion, muscle function, immunity, healthy vision, and controlling blood sugar levels. They are also gluten-free. Banana chips can be considered part of a healthy diet only if consumed in moderation with minimal additives. Homemade banana chips can ensure control over ingredients and cooking methods compared to store-bought chips.

2) Do banana chips contain added sugars?

The traditional Kerala style banana chips recipe does not contain added sugar. They are made with coconut oil and salt. However, some commercially produced chips may contain added sweeteners to enhance flavor; hence, it's important to read the product label or ingredient list for the mention of added sweeteners. To avoid sugar altogether, it's best to consider homemade banana chips, which allow for control over the ingredients.

3) How are banana chips made? 

The traditional preparation of baking banana chips, or kaayavaruthathu, involves peeling the plantain, washing them thoroughly to remove stains, slicing the nendran variety of plantain into thin disks, and deep-frying them in coconut oil. Salt is added to the oil as per taste. These are the basic steps for preparing nendran chips, and missing any of these steps may not result in the final product. However, there are some who prefer air-frying the chips instead of deep frying, which is another method followed in recent times.

4) Which Banana is used to make Banana Chips?

The most common type of banana used for making chips is the plantain banana, which has a starchy texture and is less sweet, making it ideal for frying and making the chips. Plantains are very common in tropical regions of India, Africa, and Latin America. However, in Kerala, where banana chips have their origins, the locally grown Nendran banana variety is often used to make traditional Kerala-style banana chips.

5) Which is the Best oil for frying Banana Chips?

While there are different types of oil used for frying banana chips, the traditional and widely used oil for frying is coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a distinct flavor to the chips and complements the overall taste. Coconut oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high heat required for deep frying without breaking down or producing harmful compounds. Additionally, coconut oil contains healthy saturated fats that can provide a rich and satisfying texture to the banana chips. If you are looking for alternatives, then you can consider any oil with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil; however, this may affect the natural flavor of the kaayavaruthathu.

6) What is the most common flavor of banana chips?

The most common flavor of banana chips savoured by most is the original recipe or the classic salted version. 

7) How long do banana chips stay afresh? 

There are various factors that determine the shelf life of banana chips, depending on how they are made, packaged, and stored. It can range from a few weeks to several months, considering these factors. It is recommended to store the chips in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, without any moisture content, to maintain the crispiness. Chips with higher oil content can have a longer shelf life as they act as a barrier against moisture. Typically, homemade banana chips may stay fresh for a few weeks when stored in airtight containers without adding any preservatives, but they may eventually lose their flavor over time.

8) Is kaayavaruthathu sweet or savoury? 

Kaayavaruthathu is a savoury snack consumed as it is or as an accompaniment to meals. They are also made during festive occasions and often given as a festive snack or even served as dessert after the meals. 

Bananas are rich in dietary fibre and potassium, which supports healthy blood sugar levels. However, it's also important to note that banana chips are fried in oil, and ripe bananas have a high carbohydrate content, which may not be suitable for diabetes patients. If you have diabetes or are concerned about your blood sugar levels, it's best to consume banana chips in moderation. Additionally, consider having homemade banana chips, which will not have any added preservatives.

10) What are the different flavors of banana chips available? 

Banana chips come in a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some common flavors of banana chips include traditional salted, spicy with added chili or pepper, and tangy with a hint of lime or tamarind. Additionally, there may be variations with added spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an extra twist. There are also ripe banana chips, which are made with slightly ripe bananas where the natural sweetness of the banana makes the chips sweeter too. The availability of flavors can vary based on the region and brand, offering a wide range of options for banana chip enthusiasts to enjoy.