Turón (food)

Turón (also known as Lumpiang Saging) is a popular Philippine snack made of thinly sliced bananas (preferably Saba), dusted with brown sugar, rolled in a spring roll wrapper and fried. Other fillings can also be used, including sweet potato, mango, cheddar cheese, and jackfruit (Langka). Some variants are dusted with sugar after frying and are served with a scoop of ice cream. Turón is a typical snack sold by street vendors in the Philippines.

History

The origin of Turón is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been influenced by the Chinese spring roll, which was adapted to use local ingredients in the Philippines. The use of bananas, particularly the Saba variety, is a distinctly Filipino touch, as this type of banana is abundant in the country.

Preparation

To prepare Turón, ripe Saba bananas are sliced lengthwise, dusted with brown sugar, and then wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. The wrapped bananas are then deep-fried until the wrapper turns golden brown and crispy. Some variations of Turón include slices of jackfruit or strips of sweet potato. After frying, the Turón can be dusted with more sugar or served as is.

Variations

There are several variations of Turón in the Philippines. The most common variation includes slices of jackfruit along with the banana. Other variations include Turón with sweet potato, Turón with mango, and Turón with cheese. There is also a version called Turón de Manila, which is larger and contains more fillings than the typical Turón.

Cultural Significance

Turón is a popular snack in the Philippines and is often sold by street vendors. It is also commonly served during fiestas and other special occasions. Despite its simplicity, Turón holds a special place in Filipino culture as a comfort food that reminds many Filipinos of home.

See Also

• Lumpia
• Philippine cuisine
• Street food in the Philippines