Ola Choto - Dried Korila (Bhutanese Plantain)

Ola Choto is a traditional Bhutanese ingredient made from dried Korila, a variety of plantain that holds special significance in Bhutanese cuisine and culture. This authentic product is used to prepare traditional Bhutanese dishes, bringing the flavors of rural Bhutan to your table.

Made in Bhutan
The Flavors of Rural Bhutan

Product Details

Net Weight: 50g
Batch No: 30

What is Korila (Ola Choto)?

Korila is a traditional Bhutanese variety of plantain that is larger and starchier than regular bananas. In Bhutan, Korila is considered an important agricultural crop, particularly in the subtropical regions of the country. When dried, it becomes "Ola Choto," a traditional ingredient that is cooked and eaten as a dish in Bhutanese cuisine.

Unlike sweet bananas, Korila has a unique flavor profile - slightly sweet with a starchy, earthy quality that intensifies when dried. This traditional drying process concentrates the natural sugars and creates a chewy texture. When rehydrated and cooked, Ola Choto becomes a hearty, satisfying dish that is an important part of traditional Bhutanese meals.

Cultural & Agricultural Importance

Korila holds special importance in Bhutanese agriculture and food culture:

• Traditional Crop: Korila has been cultivated in Bhutan's subtropical valleys for centuries, particularly in southern regions
• Food Security: As a hardy, productive crop, Korila provides important nutrition and income for rural farming communities
• Cultural Heritage: Drying Korila into Ola Choto is a traditional preservation method passed down through generations
• Traditional Dish: Ola Choto is eaten as a cooked dish in Bhutanese homes, often prepared with spices and other ingredients
• Sustainable Agriculture: Korila grows well in Bhutan's organic farming systems without chemical inputs
• Rural Livelihoods: Processing Korila into value-added products like Ola Choto creates economic opportunities for farmers
• Seasonal Preservation: Drying allows the harvest to be preserved and enjoyed year-round

Health Benefits

• Rich in Nutrients: High in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fiber
• Complex Carbohydrates: Provides sustained energy from natural, unprocessed starches
• Digestive Health: High fiber content supports healthy digestion and gut health
• Heart Health: Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function
• Natural & Wholesome: No artificial additives, preservatives, or added sugars
• Resistant Starch: Plantains contain resistant starch that supports metabolic health
• Mineral Rich: Contains magnesium, iron, and other essential minerals
• Antioxidants: Natural antioxidants help protect cells from damage

How to Prepare

To prepare Ola Choto as a traditional Bhutanese dish, rehydrate the dried Korila in warm water, then cook it with traditional Bhutanese spices, chilies, and other ingredients according to your family recipe. It can be prepared as a curry-style dish, stir-fried with vegetables, or cooked in traditional Bhutanese preparations. The rehydrated Korila absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a hearty, satisfying texture to meals.

About the Vendor - Bhutan Growers

Bhutan Growers is a pioneering agricultural company dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Bhutanese food products while supporting rural farming communities and sustainable agriculture practices.

Founded on the principles of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan Growers works directly with farmers in rural Bhutan to source, process, and market traditional agricultural products like Ola Choto. Their mission goes beyond commerce - they are committed to preserving Bhutan's agricultural heritage, supporting sustainable farming practices, and creating economic opportunities for rural communities.

Bhutan Growers' Commitment

• Direct Farmer Partnerships: Works closely with farming communities across rural Bhutan, ensuring fair prices and sustainable relationships
• Traditional Methods: Preserves traditional food processing techniques like sun-drying that have been used for generations
• Organic Practices: Sources from Bhutan's chemical-free farming systems, supporting the country's commitment to organic agriculture
• Cultural Preservation: Helps keep traditional crops like Korila in cultivation and traditional foods like Ola Choto in production
• Quality Standards: Maintains high quality control while respecting traditional processing methods
• Rural Development: Creates value-added opportunities that keep economic benefits in farming communities
• Environmental Stewardship: Supports Bhutan's carbon-negative status through sustainable agricultural practices
• Market Access: Connects rural producers with markets, helping traditional products reach new audiences

Bhutan Growers represents the intersection of tradition and innovation - honoring centuries-old agricultural practices while creating modern market opportunities. Their work with products like Ola Choto helps ensure that traditional crops like Korila remain economically viable for farmers, preserving both agricultural biodiversity and cultural food traditions.

By choosing Bhutan Growers' Ola Choto, you're not just getting a unique traditional ingredient - you're supporting sustainable agriculture in rural Bhutan, helping preserve cultural food heritage, and contributing to the livelihoods of farming families who have cultivated Korila for generations.