My informatics professor asked us to write a blog of a certain delicacy in my area of residence. I have lived all my life in the heart of the city yet, or should I say, that’s why I couldn’t think of anything…..native. Until one late afternoon while I was on my way home (and desperate to get the homework done..;P), I walked along the usual path going to my house and noticed the small cooking stand on my right, the banana cue stand. It has been there since forever! There are a number of accounts on treats like the puto and the budbod (just to mention some) but little regard has been given of the banana cue. I think this is because of the abundance bananas, how simple it is prepared, its thought mediocrity and may also be considered unexceptional because of its ordinary makeup. That time, I decided to monitor and scrutinize the scene while savoring my banana cue. Shortly after seeing the laid out ready for sale caramelized wonder diminishing, I came to a conclusion that banana cues are so popular, too common in fact, that it has become a part of us, making it the typical Filipino merienda.
Let’s have a quick know-how on the main ingredient. The kind of banana used is locally called saba bananas but these kind of bananas are formally called “plantains.” Plantains tend to be firmer and lower in sugar content than dessert bananas. Bananas are most often eaten raw, while plantains tend to be cooked or otherwise processed, and are used either when green or unripe (starchy) or overripe (sweet). I think it is a much better substitute to junkfood like candies for snacks. According to several sources, the average candy bar has 300 to 500 calories; a two-piece banana cue has 250 or less. That’s because chocolate bars are loaded with high-fat ingredients such as nuts, caramel, sugar, and of course, chocolate. The sugar will give you an energy boost, but you’re not likely to burn all those calories before you’re tired again. Bananas are sweet, but its main ingredient is starch, a much better source of energy. Just make sure to drain excess oil to further reduce the fat content. Bananas are also very rich in potassium, which has been proven in clinical studies to help maintain normal blood pressure and encourage proper heart function. They are also rich in Vitamin C, vitamin B6 and have an array of other minerals.
There have been an increasing number of new mouth-watering desserts, but nothing compares to the benefits and bulk a banana cue brings into a famished hardworking Filipino’s stomach in a cheap and economical way. It is definitely a local comfort food at its best!
