Did you know that bananas have more than 1,000 varieties? And while almost all of them have yellow peels, there is one variety that’s blue! But don’t go running to the supermarket to track down this island anomaly—blue bananas are incredibly rare, and you can bet your last dollar that you’ll never have the chance to try it.
Continue reading to find out more about this rare fruit, and why, in contrast to red bananas, you won’t be seeing blue bananas in the supermarket any time soon.
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Why are blue bananas?
These intriguing blue bananas are not selective farm magic or selective breeding, like pink pineapples or cotton candy grapes. Blue Java bananas are naturally occurring tropical fruits in Southeast Asia (Indonesia), the Philippines and parts of Central America.
Their unique color is caused by a waxy coating on their peels. The Blue Java’s (like all bananas) peel is green when they are unripe, but they have a silvery-blue coating. Blue Javas are typically shorter and more stout than the usual Cavendish banana.
What does blue banana taste like?
Blue Javas can also be called “ice cream bananas” because they have a very creamy texture and the fact that they have a sweet flavor close to vanilla ice cream. Mmm, it sounds tasty to us!
Can blue bananas be cooked?
Just like their yellow counterparts, blue bananas are flexible in their preparation choices. Their firm consistency defies grilling, baking or frying effectively. And their subtly altered flavor can add an interesting spin to both sweet and savory dishes. Grilled blue banana skewers with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or caramelized blue bananas served with coconut cream.
Are blue bananas healthier than yellow bananas?
Nutritionally, blue bananas are relatively similar to other bananas. They have plenty of potassium, vitamin B6 and dietary fiber. While information on what their true nutritional consumption is like is limited due to their non-commercial nature, overall they offer much the same health benefits as yellow bananas we’re all used to.
Where can I buy blue bananas?
If you find yourself unexpectedly hankering for a bite of this fascinating blue fruit, you may be dismayed at your local grocery store’s produce department. As Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce, a leading distributor of specialty fruits and vegetables, pointed out, “Blue bananas aren’t commercially available to buy here in the United States … but you can buy seeds to plant them.” But bananas require a hot, tropical climate to grow, so most gardeners—even the green-fingered ones—won’t get very far.
This dearth of Blue Java is in the striking contrast to Cavendish banana that permeates 99% of the banana market. Schueller explains why we only have a few banana varieties in our stores: “The Cavendish banana is by far the most favorite banana—it’s also the USA’s favorite fruit too!
“He also reports that of the over 1,000 varieties of bananas found globally, “only six are commercially sold in the USA.” Perhaps one day these rainbow-colored ice cream-flavored bananas will turn up in a supermarket near you. But until that day, the rest of us who fantasize about Blue Javas will have to make travel arrangements to the next tropical banana plantation.”.
FAQs:
What is the Blue Banana theory?
The Blue Banana is actually a non-contiguous strip of Europe housing the greatest concentration of population, industry and capital. Frequently referred to as the”Backbone of Europe” it forms a crescent that is actually visible from space because of the dense clustering of city lights at night.
Is the Blue Banana a real thing?
Blue Java bananas are tasty bananas that may be consumed fresh or cooked. They are characterized by their aromatic taste that has a vanilla-like custard flavor. They are also widely used as ornaments and shade plants due to their unusual blue color, size, and hardiness for temperate conditions.
Does Blue Banana grow in India?
During the last 15 years, the farmer cultivated over 700 species of tropical fruit on his farm but it is for the first time that a Karnataka farmer has cultivated blue java bananas that are widely used in Southeast Asia.
What is the story of the banana girl?
Two bright high school girls, best friends as well, have decided to eat bananas daily. Combined with their commitment to the truth and idealistic nature, this habit gradually pushes them deep into the territories of ideas and action.
How rare is a Blue Banana?
Similar to the Pinkglow pineapple, the blue banana is difficult to spot in supermarkets. This unusual banana has a waiting list spanning years at certain stores!
