The color yellow has long been associated with the image of ripe bananas. However, this fruit also has many variants with vibrant colors and unusual appearances.
Banana Varieties Around the World That Are Not Yellow
1. Dacca Red Banana
This type of banana is commonly found in Australia.
The Dacca Red Banana is a variety typically found in Australia, characterized by its smaller size and thicker skin compared to common bananas. However, its flesh is softer and sweeter.
When the Dacca Red Banana is young, it is green, but as it grows to the size of a thumb, it gradually turns a beautiful red. The price of this unique red banana is quite high and is considered one of the “money-making” specialties for the locals.
2. Pink Banana (Musa Velutina)
Pink bananas grow quickly, often flowering and fruiting in the first year.
The Pink Banana (scientific name: Musa velutina) is a flowering plant in the Musaceae family. This species was first scientifically described by Dr. H. Wendl in 1875.
Pink bananas grow quickly and typically flower and bear fruit in their first year. The banana plant can reach a height of 3 to 6 meters with a wide canopy. In summer, it produces bright pink flowers, followed by pink bananas. However, as the bananas ripen, they gradually turn a reddish-brown.
Pink bananas are primarily grown for ornamental purposes. Their fruit is sweet and delicious but contains many seeds, making them difficult to eat.
3. Blue Java Banana
The Blue Java Banana plant can grow to an average height of 4.5 to 6 meters.
The Blue Java Banana originates from Hawaii and some regions in Australia, retaining its blue color even when ripe. However, as the bananas fully ripen, they will eventually turn yellow like other common banana varieties.
The Blue Java Banana can reach an average height of 4.5 to 6 meters. They are cold-resistant and withstand strong winds due to their deep root system. After planting, this banana variety flowers within 15 to 24 months and can be harvested after 115 to 150 days.
According to locals, Blue Java Bananas have a very sweet and creamy flavor, often described as tasting just like vanilla ice cream.
4. Ae Ae Banana
Even the leaves of this banana plant have unique white and green stripes.
If Ae Ae bananas did not grow in clusters like this, many people would mistake them for striped melons due to their similar appearance. Even the leaves of this banana plant have unique white and green stripes that are quite distinctive. Due to their difficulty in thriving in many areas and their slightly bitter taste, Ae Ae bananas are classified as a rare find among banana varieties.
5. Rhino Horn Banana
This variety of banana originates from Africa.
The Rhino Horn Banana (Rhyno Horn) is a hybrid banana between the seed banana Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata, originating from Africa. Its distinctive feature is its long, curved green bananas that can be eaten and can grow up to about 60 cm long, making it the longest banana variety in the world.
Rhino Horn bananas can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also grown as ornamental plants due to their unusual appearance.
