As a special agricultural product of Vietnam, many people are still unfamiliar with the Royal Banana and have not had the opportunity to taste and appreciate its flavor. Let’s take a moment to explore what the Royal Banana is!
What You Need to Know About Royal Bananas
Originally a famous agricultural specialty from Dai Hoang village (Vu Dai village) in Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan district, Ha Nam province, Royal Bananas are sought after by traders from all regions, including for export, especially consumed in large quantities during the spring season, with prices reaching up to 1 million VND for a bunch of bananas.
What is a Royal Banana?
The best and most famous Royal Bananas are from Dai Hoang village.
Called Royal Banana because it was selected as a royal specialty during the Tran dynasty (13th century). Royal Bananas, or bananas for the king, are primarily grown in the North, with the best and most delicious ones found in Dai Hoang village, where the soil and climate are perfect for the growth of Royal Bananas.
Characteristics of Royal Bananas
Dai Hoang Royal Bananas come in two varieties: buffalo bananas and jackfruit bananas, with the jackfruit variety being the most favored.
The jackfruit Royal Bananas are smaller than the buffalo variety, about the size of two pinched pinky fingers, tastier, with flesh that ripens to a golden yellow resembling jackfruit segments. The skin of the ripe bananas has pinkish-brown spots, earning them the nickname purple Royal Bananas.
Royal Bananas are small and visually appealing, with thin skin, dark yellow when ripe, sweet, and fragrant flesh. Notably, Royal Bananas do not turn mushy; ripe bananas remain delicious, chewy, sweet, and fragrant, retaining their flavor for weeks.
Royal Bananas are considered one of the best banana varieties among over 30 types in Vietnam, ranking among the top 50 famous specialty fruits in the country.
Dai Hoang Royal Bananas have been trademarked and labeled, making them popular not only domestically but also sought after by Vietnamese expatriates who always bring them back when visiting their homeland.
Royal Bananas are considered one of the best banana varieties in Vietnam.
Benefits of Royal Bananas
Royal Bananas contain a good amount of fiber and some antioxidants. According to research, each Royal Banana weighing about 118 grams contains the following nutrients:
- Potassium: 9%
- Vitamin B6: 33%
- Vitamin C: 11%
- Magnesium: 8%
- Copper: 10%
- Manganese: 14%
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fiber: 3.1 grams
- Protein: 1.3 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
Royal Bananas Help with Effective Weight Loss
In 100 grams of Royal Bananas, there are only about 100 calories, mostly from water and carbohydrates. Thus, the fat content in Royal Bananas is very low, making them an excellent choice for those on a diet or trying to lose weight.
Excellent Blood Sugar Control
Royal Bananas are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that is not digested. Both pectin and resistant starch can reduce blood sugar levels after meals and decrease appetite by slowing down gastric emptying.
Supports Heart Health
Potassium is essential for heart health, especially in controlling blood pressure. Many people underestimate its importance and do not supplement it regularly, which is a serious mistake. You can easily add potassium to your diet by consuming Royal Bananas every day.
Eating 2-3 Royal Bananas daily helps produce hemoglobin in the blood.
Fights Anemia with Royal Bananas
Due to the high iron content in Royal Bananas, consuming 2-3 bananas daily can help produce hemoglobin in the blood, improving anemia conditions and increasing red blood cell count. Additionally, the vitamin B6 in bananas helps regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Thin, pale individuals should incorporate Royal Bananas into their diet.
Stimulates New Cell Production
Royal Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, providing about 35% of the daily vitamin B6 requirement for the body in each banana. This vitamin also participates in the regeneration process and stimulates the growth of new cells, thereby enhancing your overall health.
Royal Bananas Help with Hangovers
Combining Royal Bananas with honey and milk can help replenish fluids, enhance alcohol elimination, and regulate stomach fluids. Women can keep this method in mind to help their partners recover quickly after drinking too much alcohol.
How to Distinguish Royal Bananas from Other Bananas
In terms of morphology, Royal Bananas (Northern region) and common bananas (widely grown in the Central and Southern regions) are quite similar, but they are distinguishable.
Compared to Royal Bananas, common bananas are larger and rounder, with thicker skin and less sweetness and fragrance.
Visually, it is quite difficult to differentiate them when the bananas are still green, but when ripe, Royal Bananas have an even, beautiful yellow color and retain the tuft at the tip, while common bananas lose this tuft when ripe.
