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They’re called Blue Java bananas, and they taste like vanilla ice cream. Yes, that’s right, a fruit that tastes like a dessert.
The Blue Java is known for being sweet and aromatic and having the consistency and taste close to that of ice cream, specifically vanilla ice cream.
According to LiveLoveFruit.com, the Blue Java originated in the Southeast part of Asia and is prevalent throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
The unique fruit has many different names, depending on the region. In Hawaii, it’s known as the “Ice Cream banana”, in Figi the “Hawaiian banana”, in the Philippines it’s known as “Krie” and in Central America, “Cenizo”.
The Blue Java is a part of the ABB Group of bananas meaning that it contains a set of chromosomes which, when unripe, give off a silvery blue color, then turn pale yellow when fully ripe. The banana is edible raw, just like your typical yellow bananas, however, many countries that grow the fruit prefer them fried, baked, or similar to the way in which plantains are cooked.
Just like all fruits, the Blue Java has many health benefits. Other than being rich in vitamin B6 and C, potassium, magnesium, and others, the Blue Java can also moderate blood sugar, improve your mood, support digestive health and heart health.
Moderate Blood Sugar Levels
Blue Javas contain pectin (fiber) and resistant starch. Both of these may moderate blood sugar levels after meals and help reduce appetite by slowing the emptying of your stomach, according to LiveLoveFruit. Also, generally, bananas rank low to medium on the glycemic index (GI), meaning they shouldn’t cause major blood super spikes in people who are of good health.
Improve Mood
Blue Javas are rich in vitamin B6 which is necessary for the body to synthesize its own serotonin. According to LiveLoveFruit, one medium Blue Java contains about .4 milligrams of vitamin B6.
Improve/Support Digestive/Heart Health
Blue Javas contain non-digestible fibers like cellulose, hemicellulose, among others, which help prevent constipation and regulates bowel function. Bananas are also a good source of potassium, essential for heart health. Studies show that those who eat enough potassium have a 27% lower risk of heart disease.
Live in the U.S. and want to get your hands on a Blue Java? No worries! Miami Fruit in Florida sells Blue Javas and will ship them straight to your front door.
Sometimes it helps to be a little blue.
FAQs
The Blue Java (also known as the blue banana, Ice Cream banana, Vanilla Banana, Hawaiian banana, Ney Mannan, Krie, or Cenizo) is a hardy, cold-tolerant banana cultivar known for its sweet aromatic fruit, which is said to have an ice cream-like consistency and flavor reminiscent of vanilla.
What frozen banana tastes like ice cream? ›
Somehow whipping up frozen banana chunks creates some magical reaction and really does turn it into a creamy-smooth ice cream-like substance. Wanna see how? Food processor or blender – This recipe will work in pretty much any food processor. A high powered blender (Blendtec, Vitamix, Ninja Pro, etc.) will work as well.
What is this rare blue banana? ›
Blue Java bananas are quite rare and are not found everywhere. They are primarily grown in the Southeast Asian region but are also quite well-known in Hawaii. These fruits are a hybrid of two other kinds of bananas, namely Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata.
Which country has the blue banana? ›
It covers countries, regions and lands such as: Greater London (England), Lille European Metropolis, Alsace and Moselle (France), Benelux, Westphalia, Rhineland and Bavaria (Germany), Austria, Switzerland and Lombardy (Italy).
Does Blue Bell make banana ice cream? ›
A rich banana ice cream with tasty, chopped roasted almonds.
What is the rarest color of banana? ›
The rarest banana is said to be the “Blue Java” banana, also known as the “Ice Cream” banana. This unique banana variety is notable for its blue-green color when unripe and its sweet, creamy texture and flavor when ripe, reminiscent of vanilla ice cream.
What are the health benefits of blue bananas? ›
Rich in antioxidants
It is believed that antioxidants also play a key role in disease prevention and can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Conclusion: Blue Java bananas are rich in antioxidants and can help you lose weight and improve digestive health.
What is a golden banana? ›
The Banana Biotechnology program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has developed a nutrient dense golden biofortified banana, a world first, which is rich in pro-vitamin A. The results of this research have been published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.
Is there a purple banana? ›
Purple Banana or Red Banana
Its cultivation occurs in the high jungle of Peru, where special climatic conditions favor its natural development. This fruit is not only remarkable for its taste. Its production is carried out in a respectful way with the environment, in total harmony with its natural environment.
How many colors of bananas are there? ›
It starts as Green when it's not fully matured or ripe ———-> It becomes Yellow when it's fully matured and ripe ———-> It becomes brown and rotten when it's not eaten beforehand ———-> The End. Although, there are other colors of bananas, not just Yellow! There are Red, Pink, Purple, and Black.
Musa velutina, the hairy banana or pink banana, is a diploid species of wild banana. These plants are originally from Assam and the eastern Himalayas. The fruits are 3 in (8 cm) long, pink, and fuzzy.
Is there a fruit that tastes like chocolate? ›
The black sapote is a species of persimmon often referred to as the “chocolate pudding fruit”. This is because the flavour, texture and appearance of the fruit resembles a dense chocolate mousse – or “raw brownie batter”, according to Atlas Obscura.
What is the berry that tastes like chocolate? ›
Black Sapote: The Fruit That Tastes Like Chocolate | Fine Dining Lovers.
Does banana ice cream exist? ›
Here's how to make banana ice cream 4 delicious ways! This healthy nice cream is great for a vegan dessert with just a few simple ingredients like frozen bananas. Plus we're sharing our favorite flavor ideas: chocolate, mint chip, vanilla and strawberry! Ice cream is just the best.
Do they still make Barney banana ice creams? ›
Peters Barney Banana reviews | ProductReview.com.au. Peters Barney Banana has been discontinued.
What is the difference between apple bananas and ice cream bananas? ›
Apple bananas are known for their long-lasting, firm and slightly tart flesh (with peels that practically fall off). Ice cream bananas on the other hand have sweeter, softer flesh with a vanilla flavor (and the peels have a bit more substance). Some people equate the flavor with vanilla ice cream, hence the name.
What strain is ice cream banana? ›
Banana Ice Cream was bred using Holy Smoke's Banana Sativa as the mother and fertilising it with a strain known as Decepticon which boasts illustrious parentage of Gorilla Glue #4, Cookies & Cream and Platinum. This plant has great structure, superb trichome coverage and a glorious effect.
