7 Varieties of Bananas You Should Try on Your Next Hawaiian Vacation ...

Chelsie

7 Varieties of Bananas You Should Try on Your Next Hawaiian Vacation ...
7 Varieties of Bananas You Should Try on Your Next Hawaiian Vacation ...

Bananas are not just yellow, my friends. When planning a trip to Hawaii—especially in this glorious year of 2024—one might think first of hula dancers, surfboards, and Mai Tais. But let me set you straight: the spotlight should also shine brightly on bananas. Yes, that potassium-packed, lovable fruit comes in many varieties, and Hawaii is a veritable paradise for banana aficionados. I've spent time island-hopping and sampling these tropical delights, and I'm here to dish out the deets on the top seven varieties you absolutely must try.

The moment you step off the plane, you’ll be hit by the delicious aroma of fresh fruit, and that’s when the real fun begins. Hawaiian bananas are so much more diverse than those plain old Cavendish bananas we buy by the dozen at local grocery stores. There’s an incredible spectrum of flavors, textures, and colors just waiting to tickle your taste buds. From the creamy Apple Bananas, also known as Manzano, to the rich and sweet Lady Finger Bananas, each type brings something unique to the table.

Now, let's talk about those Lady Finger Bananas for a second. Have you ever tried a banana that tastes like a sweet, luscious kiss from nature herself? Because that's basically what it feels like to eat one of these. Or how about the Blue Java Bananas? Also known as Ice Cream Bananas, they are nothing short of magical. Imagine a banana that has a texture as smooth as ice cream and a flavor to match—it's mind-blowing. Trust me, I've gobbled down dozens in my quest for the ultimate banana and they never disappoint.

Then there are the Red Bananas—not just any ordinary fruit, these have a beautiful reddish-purple skin and a hint of raspberry flavor. Honestly, who knew bananas could be so complicated and fabulous? You could spend your entire Hawaiian vacation peeling back the layers of banana diversity and still not get bored.

Of course, the Silk Bananas and the Pisang Awak Bananas each have their own wonders to show off. The former are as posh as they sound, and the latter has this delightful tang that will make you think, “Ah, this is what bananas were meant to be!” Finally, don’t forget to explore the local farmers’ markets to get the freshest picks and perhaps chat up some local growers who’ll be all too happy to share their banana wisdom.

So, here's my friendly advice—banish any preconceptions you have about bananas and get ready for a fruit adventure of epic proportions. Trust me, once you go Hawaiian banana, you’ll never go back to plain ol’ Cavendish again.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1. Apple Bananas

Apple Bananas Apple bananas are one of the most popular varieties of bananas that you will find in Hawaii. These bananas are shorter and sweeter than the Cavendish bananas. They also have flavors of apples and strawberries, which makes them much more interesting. Like all bananas, apple bananas are a good source of potassium, but they are actually higher in vitamins A and C than Cavendish bananas! If you have an opportunity to try these tasty and nutritious bananas, you should definitely take it!

***

Apple bananas are a great addition to any Hawaiian vacation. They are much shorter and sweeter than the Cavendish variety, and have a unique flavor combination of apples and strawberries. They are a good source of potassium, and contain higher levels of vitamins A and C than Cavendish bananas. Apple bananas are a great snack or dessert option, and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. They are also a great addition to smoothies, salads, and fruit bowls. For a unique Hawaiian experience, try apple bananas on your next vacation!

2. Red Bananas

Red Bananas Red bananas are another variety of bananas that are sweeter than Cavendish bananas. They also look much more interesting. As their name suggests, red bananas have a red skin, and the flesh is a beautiful orange-yellow. The orange color of the flesh is due to the presence of high amounts of beta-carotene, which make these bananas healthier then less-colorful varieties. Red bananas are said to have a hints of raspberries, which sounds delicious.

Frequently asked questions

3. Ice Cream Bananas

Ice Cream Bananas Ice cream bananas, which are also known as Blue Java bananas, are considered a hardy and cold tolerant fruit. While these bananas are cold tolerant, their name actually comes from their ice cream like consistency and hints of vanilla flavor. These blue bananas are extremely tasty, with some people saying they taste like vanilla custard!

***

their unique flavor and smooth texture make them a delightful treat for both children and adults alike. These bananas are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a great addition to smoothies, desserts, and even as a healthy snack on their own. In Hawai'i, you might find them at local farmers markets or specialty stores. If you get the chance, don't miss out on the opportunity to savor these creamy, sweet bananas. Whether you're a banana enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Blue Java bananas are a must-try fruit during your tropical getaway.

4. Lady Finger Bananas

Lady Finger Bananas Lady Finger bananas are a dwarf variety of banana that can actually be grown in a pot. They are very small bananas, and only grow to be 4 to 5 inches long. Despite their small size, these bananas are very sweet. Both the small size and sweet flavor make Lady Finger bananas perfect for children. I am sure adults would love them too.

***

Lady Finger bananas are a great choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet and unique variety of banana on their next Hawaiian vacation. These dwarf bananas are the perfect snack for children, as they are small in size and very sweet. Lady Finger bananas are also easy to grow and can be planted in a pot.

These bananas are native to the Caribbean and Central America, but can also be found in the Hawaiian Islands. Lady Finger bananas are typically 4 to 5 inches long and have a yellow-green color when ripe. The sweet and creamy flesh of the Lady Finger banana is great when eaten raw or used in recipes.

The Lady Finger banana is also known as the Sucrier banana, which means "sugar" in French. This is due to its sweet flavor. In addition to its sweet flavor, the Lady Finger banana is high in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and carbohydrates.

The Lady Finger banana is a great addition to any Hawaiian vacation. It is a unique and sweet variety of banana that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Whether eaten raw, added to a smoothie, or used in recipes, the Lady Finger banana is sure to be a hit with everyone.

5. ‘Ae Ae’ Bananas

‘Ae Ae’ Bananas ‘Ae Ae’ banana plants have beautiful green and white variegated leaves and fruits. However, only the peel of these bananas is variegated; the flesh is a simple white. These bananas are considered a dessert banana because of their sweet flavor, and they can be eaten raw or cooked. ‘Ae Ae’ bananas are very rare, which means they are more expensive, but trying one of these unusual looking bananas is worth it.

***

The 'Ae Ae' banana is native to the Hawaiian Islands and is a unique variety of banana. It is a smaller, sweeter banana with a unique flavor, and its peel is variegated in green and white. The flesh of the banana is white and is usually eaten raw or cooked. 'Ae Ae' bananas are rare and therefore more expensive, but the unique flavor makes them worth trying. The plant itself is also quite beautiful, with its variegated leaves and fruits. If you're looking for a unique taste experience on your Hawaiian vacation, 'Ae Ae' bananas are a must-try.

6. Praying Hands Bananas

Praying Hands Bananas An unusual looking banana, the Praying Hand banana is a very fat banana that is best eaten when very ripe to capitalize on its mild sweetness. Praying Hands bananas have a creamy texture, and, in addition to being mildly sweet, they also have a slight tartness. You might also find that these bananas have flavors that remind you of oranges, peaches, and apples. That is a lot of fruit flavor in one banana!

***

Praying Hands bananas are native to Hawaii and are a rare variety of banana. They have a unique shape with a fat bottom and a thin top, resembling hands in prayer. The banana's thick skin turns yellow when ripe and the inside is creamy and sweet with a hint of tartness. It is best eaten when very ripe, as it is milder and sweeter than other varieties. Praying Hands bananas are also known to have a flavor reminiscent of oranges, peaches, and apples. These delicious bananas are perfect for adding a unique flavor to any dish.

7. Pitogo Bananas

Pitogo Bananas Pitogo bananas are perhaps the strangest looking banana. They do not look like a banana at all. Rather, they look like a fig! These banana plants grow to be about 10 to 12 feet high, and they have clusters of these fig-like bananas. While these bananas look like figs, they don’t taste like figs; they are a delicious banana.

With so many different varieties of bananas, you should definitely try some when you have the chance. Most of these varieties are more flavorful than Cavendish bananas, and some of them are even more nutritious! With that being said, look for these bananas on your next tropical vacation. Have you ever had any of these varieties of bananas?

bananalink.org.uk, kualoa.com, logees.com, healthyfoodhouse.com, stokestropicals.plants.com, bananas.org, bananas.org, going-bananas.com

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

oh my ! never knew other kinds exists

I'm going bananas! I didn't know! 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌😛

Soo cool! Got to try these out!

the red ones are a favorite in my house!

learnt something new today - so many bananas!

The red ones are super cooked with bacon! Uganda,I think has 132 different kinds of bananas!