Meet the Blue Java Banana
Have you ever heard of the Blue Java Banana? It’s a type of banana that tastes amazingly similar to vanilla ice-cream. It even has the consistency of ice-cream! That’s how it got its name in Hawaii – the ice cream banana, while Central America calls it cenizo and Fiji named it Hawaiian banana.
The Blue Java has a blue peel before it ripens and a sweet aroma. Once they are ripe, the peel changes to yellow-green and the inside becomes yellowish-white. It’s originally from Southeast Asia and it’s so resistant to temperatures that it can easily grow even when the temperature drops to a low -7C.
Health Benefits of Blue Java Bananas
Like the regular banana, the blue java is low in fat but rich in nutrients and has an energy-boosting effect. It contains 89 calories, 22.8 gr. of carbs and 0.3gr. of fat. They’re also a rich source of potassium which is crucial for muscle contraction, heart pressure regulation and nerve cells response.
The blue java banana also contains a large amount of fiber and antioxidants, which are important for a strong immune system. They’re also rich in vitamins C and B6, copper, magnesium, protein and manganese.
They contain high amounts of resistant starch and pectin, which keep your energy levels stable after meals. This in turn controls your appetite and prevent food cravings. The high vitamin B5 content boosts serotonin production which consequently improves your mood. Consuming a smoothie made from 2 blue java bananas provides more than 75% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6.
Moreover, they’re rich in non-digestible fiber such as hemicellulose, cellulose and alpha glucans. All of these fibers maintain regular bowel function and prevent constipation. The high amount of resistant starch isn’t digested, but it goes to the large intestine where it feeds the good gut bacteria.
The Blue Java banana has thick and wide leaves which have a plethora of uses. They can replace aluminum foil for cooking naturally. They can be used for steaming, boiling, baking, drying and grilling.
The best thing about the Blue Java Banana is that it can easily replace vanilla flavored ice-cream. Just add them to your pancakes, smoothies, banana cake or cookies.
Growing a Blue Java Banana
As we already mentioned, they’re easier to grow than the regular banana tree. Here are some tips to keep you on the right track:
– If you’re from the US the most suitable areas for growing blue java bananas are from zone 9b to 11.
– Blue Java bananas need 9 months from the first leave to see a mature fruit.
– They thrive in warm, rich soil and mushy conditions so make sure you water the tree frequently.
– They need a strong fertilizer so use an NPK fertilizer.
– Prune each rhizome’s secondary shoots but leave one around the plant to boost photosynthesis.
– Make sure it’s partially or completely exposed to sunlight as the tree needs it to germinate.
