Banana Chips | Unsweetened

Sold in 14 oz., 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

---

Ingredients: Banana Chips, RBD Coconut Oil (Highly Refined).

Ingredient Country of Origin: : Philippines.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

---

Introducing Gerbs Unsweetened Banana Chips

OVERVIEW OF GERBS BANANA CHIPS UNSWEETENED

Banana chips are crispy, thin slices of banana (often plantain) that are deep-fried or dehydrated, then seasoned for a sweet or savory snack, commonly coated with sugar, honey, salt, or spices like chili for added flavor, offering a crunchy alternative to fresh bananas.

Banana chips are thin slices of bananas that have been cooked—typically deep-fried, baked, or dehydrated—until they become crispy. They are a popular snack globally, available in both sweet and savory varieties depending on the ripeness of the fruit and the seasonings used.

Key Characteristics:

• Ingredients: Made from starchy, firm bananas or plantains like Saba or Nendran, not typically sweet dessert bananas.
• Preparation: Sliced thinly and then fried in oil or dried/baked until crispy.
• Flavor: Can be sweet (sugar, honey), savory (salt, spices, cheese, barbecue), or even spicy.
• Texture: Crispy and crunchy, providing a different experience from fresh fruit.
• Variations: Different countries have their own versions, with some being sweetened, while others are spiced.

How They Differ from Fresh Bananas:

• Processed for a longer shelf life and different taste/texture.
• Often higher in calories and sugar, especially the fried, sweetened versions, though healthier baked/dehydrated options exist.

Cultural Varieties

• Philippines: The world’s leading exporter, often using the Saba or Cardava banana varieties. They are a cultural staple known as a common “pasalubong” (souvenir gift).
• India (Kerala): Known as upperi or nenthra-kaaya oopperi, these are traditionally deep-fried in coconut oil and are an essential part of the Sadya feast served during festivals like Onam.
• Indonesia: Called kripik pisang, these are often flavored with chocolate powder or served with spicy sambal.
• Latin America: Often referred to as chifles or mariquitas, these are frequently made from starchy plantains rather than sweet dessert bananas.

HOW GERBS BANANA CHIPS ARE MADE

Banana chips are made by thinly slicing unripe bananas, frying or dehydrating them until crisp, then seasoning with salt, sugar, or spices, with origins in India (Kerala/Tamil Nadu) and major production in places like the Philippines; the process involves peeling, slicing, treating (acid/salt soak), cooking (frying/baking/dehydrating), seasoning, and packaging for a crunchy snack.

How They’re Made (Industrial & Home)

1. Sourcing & Prep: Use firm, unripe green bananas (plantains), peel them, and quickly slice them thin (like coins) to prevent browning.
2. Treatment: Slices are often soaked in a solution (like lemon/citric acid/salt water) to maintain color and texture.
3. Cooking:

• Deep Frying: The most traditional method, slices are dropped into hot coconut or vegetable oil until golden and crispy, then drained.
• Dehydrating/Baking: Slices are arranged on trays and dried in a low-heat oven or dehydrator for hours until crisp.

1. Seasoning: Chips are tossed with salt, sugar, cinnamon, or other spices after cooling.
2. Cooling & Packaging: Chips cool completely and are packed in airtight bags to keep them fresh.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS of GERBS BANANA CHIPS

Unsweetened banana chips offer benefits like quick energy, fiber for digestion, and minerals (potassium, magnesium) for heart/nerve health, plus vitamins (C, B6). They’re naturally gluten-free and a better alternative to highly processed snacks, but be mindful of portion sizes due to their calorie/fat density from frying, even in coconut oil.

• Energy Boost: Rich in natural carbohydrates for quick energy.
• Digestive Health: Good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Rich in Minerals: Provides potassium (blood pressure, muscle function), magnesium (bones, nerves).
• Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C (immunity) and Vitamin B6 (essential functions).
• Heart Health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
• Gluten-Free: A safe snack for those with gluten sensitivities.

Important Considerations

• Calorie & Fat Dense: Frying adds significant fat and calories, making moderation key.
• Watch Added Sugar: Always choose unsweetened versions to avoid sugar spikes.
• Portion Control: Easy to overeat, so small servings are best.

Unsweetened banana chips offer general nutritional and health benefits derived from the fruit, but there are no scientifically recognized “homeopathic” benefits associated with them. Homeopathy is a specific alternative medicine system, and standard food items like banana chips are not considered homeopathic remedies.

However, the nutritional content of unsweetened banana chips provides several general health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Banana chips are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps prevent constipation, and supports gut health.
• Source of Energy: They are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick and natural energy boost, making them a good snack for physical activity.
• Vitamins and Minerals: They contain essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C.
  • Potassium is vital for heart health, blood pressure management, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
  • Magnesium is also important for heart health and blood vessel protection.
  • Iron is present in smaller amounts and helps form proteins that supply oxygen to body tissues.
• Antioxidants: Bananas contain antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and support the immune system.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE GERBS BANANA CHIPS INTO YOUR DIET

Ways to Incorporate Banana Chips into Your Diet

Banana chips are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to various dishes.

• Snack on their own: Enjoy them as a satisfying, on-the-go snack.
• Breakfast booster: Sprinkle them over oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or cold cereal for extra crunch.
• Trail mixes and granola: Mix them into homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, or incorporate them into a granola recipe.
• Topping for desserts: Use crushed banana chips as a topping for ice cream, puddings, or cheesecake crusts.
• Salad enhancement: Add them to salads or grain bowls to provide a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with savory ingredients and creamy dressings.
• Creative concoctions: Grind them into a coarse meal and use as a unique breading for chicken or fish, or add them to pancake or waffle batter.
• Pairings: Dip them in peanut butter, apple butter, or hummus for a hearty snack.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

---

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!