FoodBlue java bananas: The internet's sweet, vanilla-tasting surprise

Blue java bananas: The internet's sweet, vanilla-tasting surprise

For many people, blue java bananas look almost unreal.
For many people, blue java bananas look almost unreal.
Images source: © Getty Images | Cristian Storto Fotografia
Ewa Sas

11 September 2024 19:47

Blue bananas, specifically the Blue Java variety, have become an internet sensation. To such an extent that many people, upon seeing them, question their authenticity. Is it nature or Photoshop? We've verified this information.

Upon seeing a photo of blue bananas, many people have had doubts. Do they even exist?

They do exist and, additionally, they are delicious! They are called Ice Cream Bananas or Hawaiian Bananas. They grow, among other places, in Hawaii - hence their name. It is also said that they taste like vanilla ice cream - hence the name Ice Cream Banana. In Hawaii, they are wonderfully added to desserts, but they also taste delicious raw.

Importantly, only the unripe bananas of this variety are blue. At this stage, they are light green or very blue. Over time, as they ripen, their colour changes to the one we all know, which is yellow. Therefore, in practice, it may be easy to mistake them for the most common yellow bananas.

Blue banana vs. yellow banana: Which is healthier?

The Blue Java banana variety is an excellent source of fibre (2.8 grams), manganese (14 percent of the daily requirement in 100 grams) or vitamins B6 (as much as 26 percent of the daily requirement) and C. 100 grams of such a banana provides 105 kcal.

Additionally, blue bananas provide small amounts of iron, phosphorus, thiamine, and selenium. The Blue Java banana is an ideal substitute for sweets. This is due to its taste, compared to vanilla ice cream or pudding.

Furthermore, Blue Java bananas support the digestive system's function.

Blue Java bananas are also antioxidants, which prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also play an important role in preventing heart disease and diabetes.

Blue Java bananas are commonly available in Asia, Australia, and Hawaii. The good news is that we can also try growing them in our own garden. Blue Java are a variety much more resistant to climatic conditions. The banana tree can grow up to 5 metres high.