There are so many ways that banana can be eaten that it’s not much of a loss that I’m not a fan of fresh bananas. I like them best caramelised or sliced and dried to a crisp. This Banana Society Solar Dried Banana, however, unlike the usual sun-dried fruit.

Each package holds two slices of dried banana that brown-red in colour and about 7 x 3 cm, larger than what is usually found in Thailand. Apparently, this ‘spotless, smooth colour, tasty and bigger size’ is a result of an innovative drying technique that avoids drying the banana in the sun by using a glass parabolic dome that can control the temperature and moisture levels.

The pungent aroma of decomposing organic matter assaults your nose on opening the package and as you take each bite. It’s enough to make me gag, but thankfully pushing past the smell to take a bite while holding your breath, the flavour was pleasant with concentrated notes of tropical banana, while the texture is firm, dense and slightly chewy. We’re not in a rush to eat these again even if it tastes nothing like how it smells.

This Banana Society Solar Dried Banana contained 17 g or 2 slices. It was produced in Thailand and gifted by colleagues visiting Thailand in 2018.