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Praying Hands Bananas
Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Praying Hands bananas are just that, two adjacent “hands” of bananas fused where they meet, to create the appearance of “praying hands.” Each hand is typically made up of 6 to 7 individual fruits, fused to each other, mirrored by another equally-fused hand of fruits. Each medium-sized banana separates easily from the bunch when fully ripe, the thick skins adhering only slightly. The flesh is a bright yellow-white, firm and starchy. They have a semi-sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Seasons/Availability
Praying Hands bananas are available in the fall and winter months.
Current Facts
Praying Hands bananas are a very distinct variety most closely related to the saba and blue java bananas of the Philippines. Botanically they are classified as a Musa hybrid in the ABB genome group, a natural triple cross of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. They fall under the saba subgroup of cooking bananas. Praying Hands bananas are known as Inabaniko and Uht Kapakap in Micronesia and Ripping in the Philippines.
Nutritional Value
Praying Hands bananas are high in potassium, fiber and carbohydrates. They are a good source of B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and C, and magnesium. The unique bananas also contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, calcium and copper.
Applications
Praying Hands bananas are eaten both raw and cooked. They are eaten raw when the bananas are over-ripe and very soft. They can be cooked at any stage of maturity but most often when somewhat or mostly yellow. The flavor lends best to savory applications. They are prepared like plantains, made into fritters or fried, smashed and refried. Make banana chips or add to muffins, breads or other baked goods. Cut younger bananas into pieces and stir-fry with pork or beef stew, like pochero. Wrap pieces in lumpia or eggroll wrappers and fry. Use Praying Hands bananas in recipes that call for other cooking bananas. They will keep for up to a week at room temperature.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Praying Hands bananas are cultivated in Indonesia and can be found throughout the Southern Pacific. They are also popular with collectors and banana aficionados. Praying Hands bananas grow in bunches on the fruiting stems, called racemes, of an herbaceous plant. Bananas are the fruits of the largest herb on the planet.
Geography/History
Praying Hands bananas are native to Indonesia and the Philippines. They are considered a novelty outside of their native area and are sometimes grown as an ornamental. They are cultivated throughout the Southern Pacific and are sometimes identified as Musa ‘Thepanom’ or Musa paradisiaca. They grow well in Florida and are both drought and wind resistant. Praying Hands bananas are found throughout Indonesia and the Philippines and may be spotted in specialty markets and at farmer’s markets in Florida.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Praying Hands Bananas. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Seaview Farms |
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Tostones |
