AMERICAN GARDENER

The Goldfinger Banana (Musa × paradisiaca ‘FHIA-01 Goldfinger’) is a remarkable banana cultivar celebrated for its sweet, apple-like flavor, disease resistance, and adaptability to diverse climates. Developed in Honduras as a pest-resistant alternative to the Cavendish, Goldfinger offers a unique taste, combining hints of apple, honey, and vanilla, with a creamy texture that shines in … Read more

The Pisang Raja (Musa × paradisiaca ‘Pisang Raja’), also known as the King Banana or Raja Banana, is a majestic banana cultivar celebrated for its large size, rich, sweet flavor, and creamy texture. Renowned in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, Pisang Raja is a culinary and cultural treasure, often dubbed the “King of Bananas” … Read more

The Burro Banana (Musa × paradisiaca ‘Burro’ or ‘Orinoco’), also known as the Chunky Banana or Horse Banana, is a robust and versatile banana variety prized for its thick, starchy flesh, tangy-sweet flavor, and adaptability in both sweet and savory dishes. Unlike the sweet Cavendish banana, Burro bananas offer a unique lemony tang when unripe … Read more

The Manzano Banana, also known as the Apple Banana (Musa × paradisiaca ‘Manzano’), is a delightful and unique banana variety prized for its compact size, sweet-tart flavor, and distinct apple-like aroma. Smaller than the common Cavendish banana, Manzano bananas offer a creamy texture and a complex taste that blends banana sweetness with hints of apple … Read more

The Blue Java Banana, affectionately known as the Ice Cream Banana (Musa × paradisiaca ‘Blue Java’), is a rare and exotic banana variety celebrated for its striking blue-green skin, velvety texture, and unique vanilla ice cream-like flavor. This tropical gem, with its sweet, creamy flesh, is a favorite among fruit enthusiasts, home gardeners, and gourmet … Read more

The Red Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Red’ or ‘Red Jamaican’) is a striking and flavorful banana variety, celebrated for its vibrant reddish-purple skin, creamy texture, and sweet, slightly fruity flavor. Smaller and sweeter than the common Cavendish banana, Red Bananas are a gourmet favorite in tropical cuisines, perfect for fresh eating, desserts, and unique culinary creations. … Read more

The Lady Finger Banana, also known as Sugar Banana, Baby Banana, or Pisang Mas (Musa acuminata ‘Lady Finger’), is a petite, sweet banana variety cherished for its creamy texture, intense sweetness, and delicate size. Unlike the ubiquitous Cavendish banana, Lady Finger bananas are smaller, thinner, and packed with a honey-like flavor, making them a favorite … Read more

The Plantain Banana (Musa × paradisiaca), commonly known as a cooking banana or plantain, is a starchy, versatile fruit integral to cuisines across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Unlike its sweet cousin, the Cavendish banana, plantains are typically cooked before consumption, offering a savory, robust flavor that shines in dishes like tostones, mofongo, … Read more

The Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Cavendish’) is the most widely consumed banana variety globally, renowned for its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant yellow skin. As the backbone of the global banana industry, Cavendish bananas dominate supermarket shelves, offering a versatile fruit perfect for fresh eating, baking, and smoothies. Originating in Southeast Asia and popularized … Read more