(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles’ archipelago is home to at least 23 varieties of banana, from little sweet ones to giant plantains that need to be cooked. Although many of them are eaten raw, the banana is also a well known ingredient in a number of dishes in the islands, most notably in desserts,  and all of them delicious in every way.

SNA looks at 6 ways you can savour bananas in the island nation.

1.     Banana in coconut milk  

This is usually large ripe plantain cooked with coconut milk and sugar. It’s a popular local dessert and a must-taste dish when visiting Seychelles.

(flickr/Thai Jasmine (Smile..smile...Smile..)) Photo License: CC BY-NC 2.0

2.     Banana beignet

For this there are several variations of the recipe in the islands which includes blended or sliced bananas. In this delicacy, bananas are dipped in beignet batter and fried, then topped with sugar.

(flickr/John Ong) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

3.     Banana flambé

If you like a more exotic taste of banana, you should try this one. Halved ripe bananas are cooked in caramelized sugar and then covered with flaming rum sauce. If you are lucky you can witness the server flambéing the banana right at your table.  

(flickr/Mike) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

4.     Baked banana cake

Not usually eaten as dessert, this is more suited for your tea party. It’s mashed and blended bananas in a cake mix baked in an oven. 

(flickr/Alpha) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

5.     Banana chips

Raw bananas are thinly sliced and either shallow or deep fried making it crunchy and if you are in need of snacks while watching those favourite television shows, this is one to consider, although in the Seychelles, it is eaten at any time of day. 

(flickr/Choo Yut Shing) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

6.     Banana Tart

Another yummy dessert with mashed or sliced bananas baked in shortcrust pastry, giving a taste of the tropics. You can, if so desired, add some ice-cream.

(flickr/Jodi Bart) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0