Banana 'Blue Java' (Musa acuminata × balbisiana)

Unique, Vanilla-Cream Flavored Banana

Common Names: Blue Java Banana, Ice Cream Banana, Hawaiian Banana, Krie Banana, Cenizo
Origin: Southeast Asia, widely grown in Hawaii and Central America

The Blue Java Banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana), also known as the Ice Cream Banana, is a unique banana variety celebrated for its creamy, vanilla-like flavor and striking blue-green skin. This hardy banana cultivar is known not only for its delicious fruit but also for its tolerance to colder climates and wind, making it a versatile choice for home gardens in tropical and subtropical regions. With its large, lush foliage and flavorful fruit, the Blue Java Banana adds both beauty and functionality to gardens.

Distinctive Features, Culinary Uses, and Nutritional Value

Fruit: Blue Java Bananas produce medium-sized, plump bananas with a beautiful, powdery blue skin that turns pale yellow when fully ripe. The flesh is creamy, white, and has a smooth, custard-like texture with a sweet flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream, making it perfect for fresh eating or as a natural dessert.

Foliage: The plant has broad, blue-green leaves, making it an eye-catching addition to tropical and subtropical gardens. Its leaves are also highly wind-tolerant, giving it resilience in various climates.

Growth Habit: Blue Java Banana grows as a large, fast-growing tree, reaching up to 15-20 feet tall. It forms clumps of multiple stems.

Culinary Uses and Nutritional Value

Blue Java Bananas are loved for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. The bananas can be eaten fresh, sliced into fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or frozen to make a healthy, dairy-free "ice cream." Their unique flavor and smooth texture make them a popular ingredient in desserts and snacks. Blue Java Bananas are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins C and B6, fiber, and potassium, which support immune health, digestion, and heart health. They are also high in antioxidants and natural sugars, providing a quick and nutritious energy boost.