World's Most Common And Unusual Varieties Of Bananas

Cover A Guide to 6 Different Types of Bananas (1936x1549)

Table of Contents

• What is a Cavendish Banana?
• What is a Plantain?
• What is a Red Banana?
• What is a Manzano Banana?
• What is a Saba Banana?

What is a Cavendish Banana?

The Cavendish banana is the most popular type of banana in the world, accounting for over half of global banana production. It is a cultivar of the wild banana, which is native to Southeast Asia.

Unlike its predecessor, the Gros Michel banana, the Cavendish is resistant to Panama disease, a fungal disease that nearly wiped out the Gros Michel in the 1950s. As a result, the Cavendish became the new standard for commercial banana production.

The Cavendish is known for its sweet, creamy flavor and soft texture. It is typically eaten raw, but can also be used in baking and cooking.

What is a Plantain?

A plantain is a type of banana that is typically larger and firmer than the sweet, dessert bananas that most people are familiar with. It is also less sweet and more starchy than a dessert banana, which makes it a popular ingredient in savory dishes.

Plantains are native to Southeast Asia, but are now grown in many tropical regions around the world. They are an important staple food in many parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Plantains can be eaten raw when they are very ripe, but are more commonly cooked before being served. They can be boiled, fried, or baked, and are often used in stews, soups, and other savory dishes.

What is a Red Banana?

A red banana is a type of banana that has a reddish-purple skin when ripe. The flesh of the banana is also slightly pink or orange in color. Red bananas are smaller than Cavendish bananas and have a sweeter, more tropical flavor.

Red bananas are native to Southeast Asia and are now grown in many tropical regions around the world. They are an important source of food and income for many small-scale farmers.

Red bananas can be eaten raw, but are also commonly used in baking and cooking. They are a popular ingredient in smoothies and other tropical drinks.

What is a Manzano Banana?

A manzano banana, also known as an apple banana, is a small, sweet banana that is native to the Philippines. It is named for its apple-like flavor and texture.

The manzano banana is typically eaten raw, but can also be used in cooking and baking. It is a popular ingredient in smoothies and other tropical drinks.

The manzano banana is not as widely available as some other types of bananas, but can often be found at specialty food stores and farmers markets.

What is a Saba Banana?

A saba banana is a type of cooking banana that is native to the Philippines. It is similar to a plantain, but is slightly sweeter and more tender.

Saba bananas are typically used in savory dishes, such as stews and curries, but can also be used in desserts. They are often fried and served as a side dish.

Saba bananas are not as widely available as some other types of bananas, but can often be found at specialty food stores and farmers markets.

Conclusion

Bananas are a versatile and delicious fruit that come in many different varieties. From the sweet and creamy Cavendish to the starchy and savory plantain, there is a banana for every taste and occasion.

Whether you eat them raw, cooked, or baked into your favorite recipes, bananas are a healthy and nutritious addition to any diet. So the next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a bunch of your favorite banana variety!