Different Types of Bananas

Bananas are always around at home, are one of those fruits everyone loves, and is certainly top of the list when going to the market, and did you know there are many types of bananas!

That’s right, there are over ten different types, you’ll be surprised to know how little you actually know about a fruit that is so common including the fact that a banana is actually considered a berry.

Bananas are definitely a win-win, you get or should get that sweet taste and soft texture as soon as you peel it, and at the same time, you also get all the banana goodness. They contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are of great benefit to our bodies. In addition, these are perfect in numerous recipes, from baking goods to an energetic and delicious smoothie.

Elevate your banana knowledge to the next level and learn about its different types plus how to properly store them so you can get the most of your banana needs at home.

Bananas Nutritional Facts Chart

Bananas are simply fantastic, they have the ability to instantly satiate hunger and provide energy, but that’s not all. They have vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can potentially aid in curing kidney disorders, keep eyes and bones healthy, reduce arthritis inflammation, provide relief from stomach ulcers, aids in digestion, help prevent cardiovascular disorders and even provide relief from menstrual problems.

One banana contains vitamins B2, B6, B9, and C; minerals including Copper, Manganese, Potassium, and Magnesium; and nutrients such as protein and dietary fiber.

Types Of Bananas

Plantains

Plantains may look like bananas although a little bigger, but what really sets them apart is that plantains aren’t as sweet. The reason why plantains are often combined in savory meals and are often placed in the veggies section at the market. Also, plantains need to be cooked, unlike bananas which you can enjoy raw.

Fried plantains are a key food item in Central and South America as well as some Asian and African countries.

Baby Bananas

These are also known as ladyfingers and are usually very sweet and can be consumed raw. Baby bananas grow up to three inches and become bright yellow when fully matured. Baby bananas are great for cakes, tarts, puddings, smoothies, bread, etc. In addition, they carry potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6.

Cavendish Bananas

This is probably the most popular type of banana and you usually find them in most markets. These are usually very sweet when fully ripe, but are less sweet if under-ripe. You know these are fully matured when they turn from green to a bright yellow color. They turn completely brown when they become overripe, and the best part is that you can still use them in baked goods.

This type of banana offers amazing benefits including helping to achieve a stronger nervous system.

Dwarf Cavendish Bananas

These are a variety of the Cavendish type only smaller. They go from purple or brown to yellow when mature. Like their bigger relative, these can also be consumed raw.

Giant Cavendish Bananas

Also known as a William banana, Giant Cavendish as you may imagine grows to be bigger than the regular Cavendish banana.

These are usually found at stores under-ripen so may come across this type and find that it is still green. Once fully matured, they become yellow and may be consumed raw or used in some other recipe like banana bread.

Pisang Raja Bananas

Pisang Raja hails from Indonesia where you can find them at street markets and is usually consumed in cooked dishes such as banana fritters. It has a unique texture and honey-like taste and actually can be found in the characteristic yellow but also in orange color.

Red Bananas

These get their name due to the color of their exterior, these bananas have a dark-red skin or red-purple and can also seem of pink or orange shades. Red bananas are surprisingly sweet with a hint of a raspberry taste. This can be consumed raw or used in smoothies or other recipes. You’ll find red bananas in Central and South America, Asia, and East Africa.

Compared to the Cavendish, red bananas have thicker skin and are smaller. However, these hold Vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, and iron.

Manzano Bananas

This type is popular in South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean; their flavor is mildly sweet and is suitable for desserts such as pies. Manzanos contain Vitamin C as well as potassium, amino acids, and fiber.

Blue Java Bananas

Before they are fully mature, this type of banana actually presents a bluish shade hence their name. These are also known as ice cream bananas due to their very sweet taste. Though you can enjoy them raw, many prefer to cook them first. It is also known because its plant can tolerate harsh climate conditions. Read about the benefits behind these types of bananas

Burro Bananas

Also called horse banana, Orinoco and hog banana have a unique flavor and shape; their taste is almost comparable to lemon and they turn out more square than the regular banana shape. When fully matured they turn yellow with black spots and are usually found in tropical regions where they are often combined with cream, meats, berries, and even chiles. These contain Vitamin C, Vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Barangan Bananas

This type has a distinct look, as they rip they turn yellow filled with dark spots, but don’t be fooled by their appearance. When you peel it you get a sweet texture and soft which resembles the Cavendish type.

These are also suitable for any banana dessert you have in mind and their benefits include Vitamins C and B.

Goldfinger Bananas

The Goldfinger type was actually created with the intention to be able to endure harsh climate conditions. This is the only type that takes longer to ripen, and actually can be cooked before they ripen. These make fantastic crunchy chips and are commonly found in Honduras.

Saba Bananas

This banana type has almost a cylindrical shape and is characterized by having a thick skin making them ideal to ship elsewhere before they spoil. It’s three is actually liked by many for its appearance.  This type of banana is quite popular in the Philippines.

Mysore Bananas

This banana type hails from India and is known for having a bit of a tart taste.

Bananas Are More Versatile Than You Think

Many don’t think about bananas beyond a great addition to their morning smoothie, but these are actually pretty adaptable and can be used in numerous savory dishes as well.

It is a given that bananas are great raw and great for desserts including the world-famous banana bread. In other countries, these are deep-fried and coated with different toppings from cinnamon to cheese.

Bananas can also be used in savory dishes, an example of this would be Thai Curry, where bananas are blended with cashews, chickpeas, quinoa, etc. Another great use that many don’t realize is in vegan dishes, where it substitutes eggs to make banana pancakes.

How To Keep Bananas Fresh?

All types of bananas have a likelihood to ripen fairly quick but it is important to have in mind that ripped bananas belong in your fridge and it will help them stay that way for a few days; while green bananas should be kept at room temperature, if you put them in the fridge they won’t ripen at all.

If you get a bunch of green bananas just wait until they are ready to eat, do not keep them in a closed bag unless you want to hasten the ripening. Just get yourself one of those banana hangers and you’ll be all set.

Once the bananas are ripe, they should retain freshness for a couple of days in the pantry or about a week in the fridge.

How To Store Bananas So They Stay Fresh For Longer?

There are actually a few ways to keep your bananas fresh for longer. It also depends if you are trying to keep whole bananas or banana slices; either way, it is possible, just follow a few steps.

If you are trying to keep your bananas in a bunch, then:

Wrap the stems in plastic wrap, this is done to prevent ethylene gas from prematurely ripening it. Don’t forget to wrap them again after removing one. This also works if you keep your bananas separated, then just one by one wrap the plastic around the stem.

If you are trying to keep banana slices in good shape, then you can try:

1. Place your banana slices in a container
2. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or vinegar
3. Cover the container

The acid prevents the enzymatic breakdown process thus keeping your banana from turning brown. Bananas will stay in good shape for up to four days in the fridge.

If you are trying to keep whole bananas fresh, there are also containers that have the shape of a banana and are intended to help your banana from getting brown or mushy.

Can You Freeze Bananas?

You can absolutely freeze your bananas. That said, is way more recommendable to do it once they ripen. The cold from the freezer will slow down the natural ripening process.

If you are planning to freeze your bananas for your favorite smoothie, follow a few simple steps:

1. Peel each banana
2. Place them into a Ziploc bag or container
3. Label the container with the date

Banana pieces

1. Peel each banana
2. Cut the bananas into pieces or slices
3. Lay the banana on a baking sheet lined with wax paper
4. Flash freeze for a few hours until completely frozen
5. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, and return to the freezer
6. Label with the date

Bananas can remain frozen indefinitely but it is recommendable to use them within eight months.

What To Do With Bananas Before They Go Bad?

Ideally, bananas should present firm flesh and bright yellow skin, as they over-ripen, dark spots begin to appear. This is not a sign that the fruit has gone bad.

Instead, you should take notice if the flesh becomes dark, brownish, or squishy; then you may want to discard your bananas. But before this happens there are tons of ways you can enjoy your bananas, check out different recipe ideas below.

What types of bananas are your favorites?

Our Favorites And Easiest Bananas Recipes

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