A Cuban woman has gone viral on the Internet after sharing photos of a dessert made from ripe banana peels that she prepared at home, inspired by a television program. She posted photos of her dish in the Facebook group "Recetas desde el Corazón," explaining that she did it out of curiosity after watching chef Adis Pereira Diez and her daughter Lorena on last Sunday's episode of Entre Recetas.
"Believe me, it turned out well. I made just a little to satisfy my curiosity, and I liked it a lot. The only thing is, it's a bit chewy," she noted.
The woman, a resident of Cárdenas, Matanzas, explained that she cut the banana peels into strips and made a thick syrup with anise. Then she added a bit of water and cooked them.
"And here's the result," she said.
The post was shared in several publications, where thousands of people commented on the dessert's appearance—many thought it looked like worms or other unsavory things—and on the extreme food shortages in Cuba that force people to prepare such "recipes," making them seem normal.
"They teach you to eat waste, very brilliant. I'm sure the Central Committee snacks on this," quipped a man from Holguín.
"Are you serious that this show features these gross recipes? They've gone too far," questioned a self-employed woman.
"Peels from tubers, such as banana and potato, have always been used to feed animals (no offense to anyone), and there are still people who say it's good food. What nonsense," remarked a young woman.
"Keep paying attention to the garbage they show on TV. Neither Frei Betto nor the cooks on Cuban television eat what they recommend. Poor people of Cuba," stated journalist Mario J. Pentón on Facebook.
"Stop everything! A federation member creates a delicious dish she saw on a Cuban TV cooking show," mocked the influencer known as Edmundo Dantés Junior on his wall.
One woman recalled the lavish culinary events often organized by first lady Lis Cuesta and suggested someone invite her to taste these "apocalyptic creations of socialism."
"It's disrespectful to see these things on TV. First, it was cow intestines, now banana peels. What's next, eating egg shells? Or rooster claws with spurs and all," protested another internet user.
Understanding the Viral Banana Peel Dessert Trend in Cuba
This section addresses common questions and provides insights into the viral banana peel dessert trend and the broader context in Cuba.
Why did the banana peel dessert become viral in Cuba?
The banana peel dessert went viral because it was an unusual recipe shared on social media, highlighting the creativity Cubans use to cope with food shortages. The novelty and the context of the current food crisis in Cuba garnered significant attention.
What are the ingredients used in the banana peel dessert?
The main ingredients include ripe banana peels, anise, and sugar to make a thick syrup. The peels are cut into strips, mixed with syrup and a bit of water, and then cooked.
What is the public's reaction to such recipes on Cuban television?
Public reaction has been mixed, with many expressing frustration and sarcasm. Some criticize the government for showcasing recipes they see as reflective of extreme food scarcity, while others mock the idea of using what they consider food waste for human consumption.