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.
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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!/filters:quality(70)/content/qf/m9/iwn5z6tu_600x902.jpg)
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./filters:quality(70)/content/rx/u8/txsv01nt_600x800.jpg)
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!/filters:quality(70)/content/uo/f1/v3ci08zb_600x717.jpg)
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./filters:quality(70)/content/lg/ns/euoe3rxs_575x800.jpg)
‘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./filters:quality(70)/content/k1/ph/erq1ss79_384x579.jpg)
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!/filters:quality(70)/content/tg/cg/l0122892_375x431.jpg)
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.