Black Banana Fruit
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Black Bananas are small in size, averaging 12 to 14 centimeters in length, and have a slender, elongated, straight to slightly curved, cylindrical shape. It is important to note that the fruit may appear in different forms, from whole or sliced into smaller pieces, depending on the packaging. The fruit’s surface showcases shallow indentations and striations that extend the length of the fruit, and the ends are curved and blunt. The banana’s exterior is slightly sticky and smooth, with a slight give when pressed. It also has a dark brown-black hue with light brown tinges. The flesh shares a similar coloring and is soft, creamy, and tender with an almost fudge-like consistency. Black Bananas release a pleasantly sweet, ripe, musky, and heady aroma and are edible raw, bearing a rich caramel sweetness combined with umami, smoky, chocolate, and dried fruit nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Black Bananas are available year-round.
Current Facts
Black Bananas are a modern, innovative creation of Dr. Aliment Kft, a company based in Hungary. The dark-hued fruits were released under the company’s product line, Ebonfare, in 2023 and were created from years of scientific research and development. Black Bananas are a new type of dried fruit produced from a slow-dehydration process under controlled conditions. During this process, the Maillard reaction occurs, meaning the sugars and amino acids in the bananas react with each other to caramelize, darken in color, and develop a complex flavoring. Black Bananas are unique as they are created without the need for added sugar. Only one ingredient, bananas, is required to produce the specialty food, and the fruits are vegan, natural, and free of preservatives. Ebonfare was created from a combination of the words “ebon,” alluding to the “ebony” or dark brown-black coloring of the fruits, and “fare,” the enhanced flavoring, aroma, and sensory experience the product line provides. In addition to Black Bananas, Ebonfare also promotes Black Apples and Black Pears. All three fruits are created using the same slow-drying process and are only made using the fruit. Black Bananas are a healthy alternative for consumers craving sweet foods and are bridging the gap between sweets and dried fruits.
Nutritional Value
Black Bananas are being researched and studied for their nutritional properties. The fruits are being examined for their antioxidant properties and for the presence of carbon seed bioactive nanoparticles. These nanoparticles may have a role in the absorption of micronutrients and vitamins. Black Bananas also provide some fiber to help regulate the digestive tract, and the standard vitamins and minerals found in bananas contribute to the body's overall health.
Applications
Black Bananas have a rich, sweet taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The fruits are popularly consumed out of hand and are favored as a unique snack. Black Bananas can be arranged on charcuterie boards and served with cheeses, used as a topping over cereal, porridges, and overnight oats, or sliced and mixed into savory grain bowls for enhanced flavoring. They can also be lightly mashed and combined with other ingredients to create a spread for sandwiches, crackers, and cheeses. Try pairing Black Bananas with ice cream for a memorable eating experience or serving the dried fruits alongside alcoholic beverages, especially rum and whiskey. Black Bananas can also be incorporated into baked goods and desserts as a natural sweetener. The fruits can be used as a substitute for chocolate and are added to cookies, muffins, and cakes or infused into sweet fillings and sauces. Black Bananas have extended storage properties and will keep well in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark location.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Dr. Aliment Kft. was awarded a Great Taste Award in 2023 for Ebonfare Black Bananas. This prestigious accreditation recognizes outstanding products that have undergone a rigorous testing panel of over 500 food industry experts. Experts award the products based on strict guidelines, and the test panels may include retailers, chefs, food writers, buyers, and other industry professionals. The Great Taste Awards is one of the world’s largest food competitions annually hosted by the Guild of Fine Food. Since 1995, the Guild of Fine Food has advocated for independent retailers and producers in the culinary industry and fosters a creative network to connect food enthusiasts worldwide. The Great Taste Awards are considered among professionals as a respected seal of approval, giving a voice to quality products.
Geography/History
Black Bananas are a specialty dried fruit of Dr. Aliment Kft. in Hungary. Dr. Aliment Kft. was established in 2006 from the vision of its owner and director of research, József Prokisch. Krisztián Nagy, the company's CEO, is responsible for business development. The company develops innovative products based on scientific research and partnerships with academic institutions to create trade-functional foodstuffs. The company’s name, Dr. Aliment, is also derived from a combination of the prefix “Dr.” to highlight their dedication to scientific research and “aliment,” the Latin word for food. It took over five years to develop the technology for creating Black Bananas, and the fruits were officially released in 2023. Black Bananas were initially offered through Hungary’s largest retail chain, Culinaris, and have been featured at several tasting events. The fruits were notably showcased at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, one of the world’s largest fruit expos, promoting the brand to international industry professionals. Dr. Aliment Kft.’s product line, Ebonfare, also features Black Apples and Black Pears. Black Bananas embody the company’s passion for creating natural but flavorful products and are revolutionizing how consumers taste, utilize, and perceive dried fruits. The Black Bananas featured in the photograph above were graciously provided by the company at Fruit Logistica 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
