[UniChef]

Has anyone ever heard of Banana Sheets? A guy at work told me about these sheets of pressed, dried bananas that resemble Nori except that they aren't black like that. He said they sell in oriental markets.

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Mike Bersell, CEC
unichef@unichef.com

[m brown]

That sounds yummy! True dessert sushi!
Maybe cchiu will have a dot com purveyer!

[UniChef]

Yeah, that's what he was saying he did with it- dessert sushi.

[Mezzaluna]

I'm having trouble picturing this product in terms of thickness. Is it thin like nori or a bit thicker and chewier? Could it be heated to soften, then slumped over a bowl to make a dessert cup? Cut out to decorate with? Just curious.

[Pete]

sounds kind of like fruit leather (aka fruit roll-ups)

[momoreg]

I think it can be made, by simply cooking the pureed banana with sugar until it's perfectly smooth, then cook on a silpat at 250 degrees for an hour and a half or so. I've done this with many fruits, and most work well. The ones that contain that protien eating enzyme, such as kiwi, pineapple, papaya, and blueberry, for some reason, are the ones that don't come out chewy. They just sort of crumble. My guess is that banana will come out great!

By the way, what is the name of that enzyme?

[adenoma]

That enzyme is papain. It's the same agent that is used in meat tenderizers.

[mudbug]

Tough one mbrown..... on the case....!

[mudbug]

I have not had them. Apparently they are not pureed dehydrated bananas. They are thin sheets of pressed banana slices which are visually stunning. They can be eaten as is utilized in cooking/baking.

You can purchase them at Yue-Wah Oriental Foods, 2338 S. park
St, Madison, WI 53705 608-257-9338. (Or maybe they will privide you with a source near you.) In a round package, about 8" across,1" deep, clear plastic. Possibly a product of Malaysia or Indonesia.

Check the Trotter Desserts book
Banana sliced thin lengthwise,dipped in lemon,then baked on a silpat slowly until dried. While still hot,form them into any shape you wish.
Or,banana puree mixed with egg whites and a little flour. Use batter like a tuille or hippenmasse. Be creative and sprinkle finely chopped nuts for texture and appearance

[mudbug]

I found a direct source.

They are called Banh Trang Chuoi, or Banana Cracker,and are from Viet Nam, and the company is Caravelle,Anhing Corp., fax number (323)221-7420

[m brown]

When I spoke with your first source he said he had to send them back due to bug infestation! I'll try them anyway!!!
Thanks cchiu.

[UniChef]

Thanks everyone!

[mudbug]

Let us know what you think of them m brown!