Delicious dishes made from dried pressed bananas.

The dried banana pressing industry in Tran Van Thoi district has existed for a long time, mainly concentrated in two communes: Tran Hoi and Khanh Hung. These are also the localities famous for producing the best and largest quantities of dried bananas in the province, and have developed products that meet OCOP standards.

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Although the preparation of dried pressed bananas is quite simple, it requires skill. The most important step in making this delicious dish is selecting good bananas, pressing them, and sun-drying them on racks to achieve a beautiful golden color and a sweet, juicy texture. The appeal of dried pressed bananas lies not only in their chewy, slightly firm texture, which can be eaten directly as a snack, but also in the fact that skilled women have transformed them into many other delicious dishes, such as pressed banana rolls with coconut rice, fried bananas, grilled bananas, and banana candy...

Thinly sliced bananas, sun-dried, have a sweet, mild aroma. (Photo taken at Bay Hoang dried banana production facility, Tran Hoi commune, Tran Van Thoi district).

The finished banana slices have an attractive color, are chewy and firm, and have a rich, fragrant banana syrup flavor.

Dried banana slices are mixed with ginger, pineapple, sugar, etc., then simmered over medium heat until the mixture thickens and turns reddish-brown. A layer of sesame seeds and peanuts is then sprinkled on top to create a fragrant, delicious, sweet, and chewy banana candy.

The banana candy pieces are cut into small pieces and carefully packaged. Many women in Khanh Binh Dong earn extra income by making this candy to serve at parties, display local specialties at fairs, and so on.

Dried pressed bananas can also be fried or grilled; when cooled, they are crispy, sweet, and rich in flavor.

This simple and easy-to-make banana and coconut roll is a great snack. Just mix the coconut with a little salt and sugar, then roll it with a pressed banana to create a delicious and unique treat, perfect for a family snack or to entertain guests.

Ms. Tran Kim Dao, President of the Women's Union of Tran Hoi commune, said that delicious dishes made from dried pressed bananas are often prepared by women during culinary competitions and folk cake festivals to promote local products and contribute to local economic development.

Besides being famous for its dried pressed bananas, Tran Van Thoi district is also renowned for its delicious, crispy fried bananas with sugar.