#Japan #Tokyo #APLA #Banana Curry #Vegan Food

Embracing Imperfect Bananas: A New Flavor Journey

The APLA organization, which runs the unique “Poko Poko Banana Project,” has partnered with chef Yoshi Yoshida from the Tokyo-based catering service “Kimagurey” to launch an exciting new product: the packaged curry titled, "Poko Poko Banana Curry Created with a Traveling Chef!" This delightful curry, utilizing out-of-standard Bananagong bananas, is set to be available in APLA's online shop starting April 2025.

Key Features of the Banana Curry

The curry stands out for three main reasons, as explained by Yoshida:

1. Natural Sweetness of Bananas: “By making it a packaged product, we enhanced the sweetness and umami of the dish. Regular bananas tend to overpower with sweetness, but Bananagong bananas maintain a delightful natural flavor without being overwhelming,” expresses Yoshida.

2. Compatibility with Rice: “The complexity of various spices combined with the hidden taste of soy sauce meld beautifully, balancing the flavors overall. Each ingredient plays its part while remaining unified, thanks to the soy sauce,” he adds. Surprisingly, the combination of banana and rice creates a harmonious dish that contradicts initial assumptions.

3. Simple Ingredients: The curry comprises only four key elements: bananas, onions, coconut milk, and curry seasoning. Yoshida states, “There are numerous ways to enrich curry through additions like chicken or miso, but we deliberately chose simplicity. By minimizing ingredients, we achieved an excellent end product.” This simplicity makes it more accessible to broader audiences. Notably, it contains no major allergens such as eggs, wheat, dairy, shrimp, crab, soba, or peanuts, and it is entirely vegan friendly.

The Journey of Crafting Banana Curry

In spring 2024, APLA hosted an event featuring out-of-standard Bananagong bananas, during which banana curry was served as a unique tasting option. The favorable reception of this dish, combined with the long shelf life of packaged foods, prompted APLA and Yoshida to experiment with creating a packaged banana curry.

In summer 2024, Yoshida developed three distinct recipes, leading to a special tasting event where participants sampled different types, including a soup curry and a seafood-based variant, providing collaborative feedback to refine the dishes further.

Following the tasting, Yoshida crafted a recipe that highlighted the bananas while also ensuring compatibility with rice. By September, a trial production commenced at a social welfare facility in Miyagi Prefecture, surprisingly yielding banana pieces intact in the curry, achieving a delightful result.

The final production took place in February 2025, resulting in 500 packets of curry crafted from 70 kilograms of bananas, which were received in early March.

Presentation Event and Tasting Session

April 2025 marked the celebration of the curry completion with a tasting session that included previous participants from the earlier tasting events. The attendees explored various ways to top and enhance the dish.

Top suggestions included grilled chicken and sautéed eco shrimp, providing a delightful flavor combination. Many attendees praised the banana curry, highlighting its versatility:

• - “It’s perfect for both curry and banana lovers.”
• - “The subtle aroma of banana among the spices is delightful.”
• - “The simplicity makes it a light meal, enjoyable anytime.”
• - “Children would likely enjoy it as well.”

This feedback birthed several evocative names, such as “Morning Curry,” “Separate Belly Curry,” and “Intestinal Health Curry,” showcasing its appeal.

Exploring Optional Toppings

During the session, various topping ideas emerged, including boiled eggs, fried onions, and raisins, alongside served examples with green curry. The simplicity of the dish also lends itself to multiple creative adaptations.

As a packaged curry, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for home use or outdoor events.

Ordering Information

The “Poko Poko Banana Curry Created with a Traveling Chef!” is available for purchase at the APLA SHOP. Interested customers can visit the following website:

• - APLA SHOP Sales Page

For inquiries regarding the Poko Poko Banana Project or Banana Curry, please contact:
APLA NPO, Attn: Fukushima
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 03-5273-8160
Fax: 03-5273-8667

About the Poko Poko Banana Project

This project aims to utilize the unusual Bananagong bananas that would otherwise go to waste, thereby effectively combating food loss through collaborative efforts, under the management of APLA.
Website: Poko Poko Banana Project