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Ice Cream Bananas
Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 11/24/23
Description/Taste
Ice Cream bananas have a silver-blue matte sheen when young and warm, canary yellow hue when ripe. They are small, rectangular-like and plump compared to common bananas. The peel is very delicate and bruises easily, underneath is a snow-white flesh with the texture of ice cream when ripe. Its flavor is reminiscent of sweet honey and vanilla custard.
Seasons/Availability
Ice Cream bananas are available year-round.
Current Facts
The Ice Cream banana, botanical name Musa acuminata ss. Java Blue, is also known as Paka or Vata in Fiji, Cenizo in Central America and the West Indies and Krie in the Philippines. It is a hybrid of both the seeded wild bananas Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata.
Nutritional Value
Bananas are often included as part of a low-fat, heart-healthy diet. Bananas also offer many other benefits beyond just providing energy. They also contain a broad range of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytonutrients.
Applications
Ice Cream bananas are best suited for dessert applications. Utilize them for all recipes that call for any banana within a dessert: custards, pies, tarts, baked goods such as bread, muffins, cakes and of course, ice cream. Blend them into frostings, smoothies, purees and whipped cream. Complimentary pairings include caramel, vanilla, berries, citrus such as key limes and oranges, nutmeg, cinnamon and pineapples.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Bananas were one of the first cultivated fruits in history, and the very first banana farms were located in southeast Asia. Aside from being used in a variety of Asian culinary applications, the banana has been highly used in IndoChinese religions. The traditional rituals of the banana are associated with super natural stories and superstitious ceremonies. In one traditional ritual Mothers place bananas on alters for success in their children's education as well as their husbands careers.
Geography/History
The Ice Cream banana's native region is close to its ancestors, traced back to regions of Southeast Asia. It was originally discovered growing within the Indo-Malaysian region. Ice Cream bananas grow wild in Fiji and are also are found growing throughout the Hawaiian islands. The Ice Cream banana is the hardiest of the banana plants. Its native location has allowed it the survival skills to tolerate heavy wind conditions and cooler temperatures.
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