20 Types of Bananas and What They’re Good For (Pictures and Names)

Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Bananas come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they’re delicious! In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of bananas and what they’re good for. We’ll also provide some recipes that will help you put those bananas to good use!

1. Apple Bananas.

apple banana

What are apple bananas?

Apple bananas are a type of banana that is shorter and stubbier than the more common Cavendish banana. They have a yellow-green skin with brown spots, and their flesh is white or pale pink. Apple bananas are sweeter than other types of bananas, with a flavor that has been described as reminiscent of apples, strawberries, and pears.

Apple bananas are native to Southeast Asia and have been cultivated in that region for centuries. They were introduced to the Americas in the early 20th century and are now grown in many tropical countries. Apple bananas are a popular type of banana in Hawaii, where they are often used in baking or made into ice cream.

2. Barangan Banana.

Barangan banana

What are Barangan bananas?

Barangan bananas are a type of banana that is grown in the Barangan region of Malaysia. They are a small, sweet banana with a thin skin and a light yellow color.

Barangan bananas are one of the most popular types of bananas in Malaysia, and they are often used in desserts or eaten as a snack. They can also be used in savory dishes, such as curries.

Barangan bananas are a great source of dietary potassium and fiber, and they are low in calories. They are also a good source of vitamins C and B, as well as magnesium and copper. Barangan bananas can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or dried.

3. Blue Java Banana.

What are Blue Java bananas?

Blue Java bananas are a type of banana that is blue in color. The skin of the fruit is thick and the flesh is white. The flavor of Blue Java bananas is similar to that of vanilla ice cream.

The plant that produces Blue Java bananas is called Musa Acuminata ‘Ice Cream’. This plant grows best in tropical climates and is often found in Hawaii.

4. Bluggoe banana.

What are Bluggoe bananas?

Bluggoe bananas are a type of banana that is grown in the country of Ecuador. Bluggoe bananas are known for their large size and their sweet flavor.

5. Burro Banana.

burro banana

What are Burro bananas?

Burro bananas are a type of banana that is native to Central and South America. They are also known as horse, ladyfinger, or date bananas. Burro bananas are shorter and stubbier than the more common Cavendish banana, and have a thick skin with small brown spots. The flesh is firm and creamy, with a slightly sweeter taste than Cavendish bananas.

6. Cavendish Bananas.

What are Cavendish bananas?

Cavendish bananas are the most common type of banana in the world. They’re named after Englishman Henry Cavendish, who first described them in 1834.

These bananas are characterized by their long, curved shape and yellow color with brown spots. They have a sweet flavor and are often used in baking or eaten as a snack.

Cavendish bananas are grown in tropical climates and were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s. Today, they’re one of the most popular types of bananas sold in grocery stores.

7. Cooking Bananas.

What are cooking bananas?

Cooking bananas are a type of banana that is usually cooked before eating. They are used in many dishes, including desserts, curries, and stews.

Cooking bananas are often mistaken for plantains. Both types of bananas are from the same family, but they are different varieties. Plantains are firmer and starchier than cooking bananas, and they are usually cooked before eating.

What are the benefits of cooking bananas?

Cooking bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can also help you regulate your blood sugar levels. Additionally, cooking bananas may improve your digestion and help you lose weight.

8. Dwarf Jamaican banana.

What are dwarf Jamaica bananas?

Dwarf Jamaican banana is a type of banana that is grown in Jamaica. It is a small, sweet banana that is often used in baking.

The Dwarf Jamaican banana is a hybrid of the Cavendish and the Lady Finger bananas. It was created by crossing these two types of bananas in the 1970s.

The Dwarf Jamaican banana is a popular choice for baking because it is small, sweet, and has a thin skin.

When you are baking with Dwarf Jamaican bananas, you will want to use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are yellow with brown spots on them. You can also use green bananas in baking, but they will not be as sweet.

If you cannot find Dwarf Jamaican bananas, you can use regular Cavendish bananas in your baking.

What are some of the benefits of eating dwarf Jamaica bananas?

Bananas are a good source of dietary potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber and vitamin B-six. They can also help you regulate blood sugar levels. Dwarf Jamaican bananas have a lower glycemic index than other types of bananas, which means they don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dwarf Jamaican bananas are also a good source of antioxidants. These nutrients can help protect your cells from damage and may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

Eating dwarf Jamaican bananas may also have other benefits. For example, they may improve digestion and promote heart health. More research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.

9. Fehi bananas.

What are Fehi bananas?

Fehi bananas are a type of banana that is native to the island of Fehi. The bananas are small and have a thin skin that is easy to peel. The flesh of the banana is white and has a slightly sweet taste. Fehi bananas are often used in baking or as a snack.

What are some of the benefits of eating Fehi bananas?

Some of the benefits of eating Fehi bananas include:

-They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

-They are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

-They contain vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.

10. Goldfinger Bananas.

What are Goldfinger bananas?

Goldfinger bananas are a type of banana that is characterized by its small size and yellow-colored skin. The fruit is also known for its sweetness and lack of seeds.

The Goldfinger banana is native to the countries of Ecuador and Colombia. However, the majority of the world’s supply comes from Costa Rica.

Goldfinger bananas are a popular choice for eating fresh or using in recipes. They can be used in smoothies, desserts, and even savory dishes.

What are some of the benefits of eating Goldfinger bananas?

Goldfinger bananas are sweeter and creamier than other varieties of banana, with a slightly nutty flavor. They are also higher in vitamins and minerals than other types of banana.

Some of the benefits of eating Goldfinger bananas include:

  • improved digestion
  • increased energy levels
  • improved mental clarity and concentration
  • reduced stress levels
  • enhanced mood and overall sense of well-being.

11. Gros Michel Bananas.

What are Gros Michel Bananas?

Gros Michel Bananas are a type of banana that used to be the most popular type of banana in the world.

They were first grown in the 1800s and were the most popular type of banana until the 1950s when they were replaced by Cavendish bananas.

Gros Michel bananas are bigger and have a thicker skin than Cavendish bananas.

They are also sweeter and have a more intense flavor.

Gros Michel bananas were grown in Latin America and the Caribbean, but they are now grown in limited quantities in Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia.

What are some of the benefits of eating Gros Michel bananas?

Gros Michel bananas are a great source of dietary potassium. One banana can provide around 15% of the recommended daily value. They are also low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.

Gros Michel bananas are a good source of dietary fiber. They can help you regulate your digestive system and keep you feeling full longer. Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Gros Michel bananas are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They contain Vitamins C, B-12, and A. They also contain magnesium, copper, and iron. Eating a banana can help you meet your daily needs for these essential nutrients.

12. Lady’s Finger Bananas.

What are Lady’s finger bananas?

Lady’s finger bananas are a type of banana that is smaller and sweeter than the traditional Cavendish banana. The skin of a lady’s finger banana is thinner and more delicate, and the fruit itself is less starchy.

Lady’s finger bananas are a popular variety in Southeast Asia, where they are often used in desserts or as a snack.

In the Philippines, lady’s finger bananas are a popular ingredient in the dish called turon, which is a fried banana roll.

Lady’s finger bananas are also used in Thailand to make a type of candy called kluay kaek.

13. Macho Plantain.

What are macho plantain bananas?

They are a variety of plantain that is popular in Latin America. They are longer and thinner than the regular plantains you see in the store.

Macho plantains are used in many dishes, both sweet and savory. They can be fried, baked, or boiled. You can even eat them raw!

14. Manzano Bananas.

What are Manzano bananas?

Manzano bananas are a type of banana that is grown in the mountains of South America. They are also known as “apple bananas” because of their slightly tart taste and apple-like shape.

Manzano bananas are a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. When cooked, they take on a sweeter flavor.

Some people say that Manzano bananas taste like a cross between an apple and a banana. Others say they taste more like a pear. Either way, they are a delicious and healthy snack!

15. Nanjangud Banana.

What are Nanjangud bananas?

Nanjangud bananas are a variety of banana that is native to the Indian state of Karnataka. The fruit is small and round, with a reddish-brown skin and white flesh. Nanjangud bananas are said to have a sweeter flavor than other varieties of banana.

The Nanjangud banana is named after the town of Nanjangud, located in the Mysore district of Karnataka. The town is situated on the banks of the River Kabini, and is known for its temples and banana plantations.

Nanjangud bananas are grown in many parts of Karnataka, but most of the fruit comes from the plantations around Nanjangud town. The bananas are harvested when they are ripe, and then they are transported to markets in other parts of Karnataka and other states in India.

16. Orinoco banana.

What are Orinoco bananas?

Orinoco bananas are a type of banana that is native to the Orinoco River Basin in South America. The fruit is small and round, with a thin skin and a sweet flavor.

Orinoco bananas are typically harvested when they are green and unripe. The fruit will ripen after being picked, but it will not taste as sweet as a banana that has been allowed to ripen on the tree.

Orinoco bananas are a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. Orinoco bananas can also be made into flour and used in baking.

17. Pisang Raja.

What are Pisang Raja bananas?

Pisang Raja bananas are a type of Cavendish banana. They are native to Southeast Asia and were first introduced to the world in the 19th century. Pisang Raja bananas are longer and thinner than other Cavendish bananas, and they have a reddish-brown skin.

Pisang Raja bananas are named after the Pisang Raja mountain in Indonesia. The mountain is home to the world’s largest banana plantation, and it is where the first Pisang Raja bananas were grown.

Today, Pisang Raja bananas are grown in many countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They are also popular in Taiwan and China.

Pisang Raja bananas are used in many different dishes, both sweet and savory. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted. Pisang Raja bananas are often used in desserts, such as pies and cakes. They can also be used in savory dishes, such as curries and stir-fries.

Pisang Raja bananas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also low in calories and fat. Pisang Raja bananas can be a healthy addition to any diet.

18. Plantain.

What are plantains?

Plantains are a type of banana that is often used as a starchy vegetable. They are larger and tougher than the more familiar dessert bananas. Plantains must be cooked before they can be eaten because raw plantains are very astringent.

Plantains are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and B-complex. They also contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Health Benefits of Plantains

Plantains are a good source of dietary fiber which is important for proper digestion and regularity. Fiber also helps to lower cholesterol levels and can prevent constipation.

The vitamins and minerals found in plantains are essential for maintaining good health. Vitamin A is important for vision and the immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect against infection and disease. The B-complex vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism and proper nerve function. Potassium is essential for proper muscle function and blood pressure control. Magnesium helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth.

19. Praying Hands banana.

What are Praying Hands bananas?

Praying Hands bananas are a type of banana that is grown in the country of Ecuador. The bananas are named after their appearance, which is said to resemble praying hands.

Praying Hands bananas are known for their sweetness and are often used in baking. They can also be eaten fresh, and are sometimes used in smoothies or as a topping on ice cream.

20. Red Banana.

What are red bananas?

Red bananas are a type of banana that is sweeter and more aromatic than the more common yellow Cavendish bananas. They have a reddish-purple skin and are smaller and plumper than Cavendish bananas. The flesh of red bananas is creamier and has a strawberry-banana flavor.

Red bananas are grown in tropical countries such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Philippines.

FAQs about bananas

What is the tastiest type of banana?

There are many different types of bananas, and each one has its own unique flavor. Some people prefer the sweetness of a ripe banana, while others like the taste of a green banana.

How many types of bananas are there?

There are 2000 different types of bananas, but the most common are the Cavendish, plantain, and ladyfinger bananas. The Cavendish is the type of banana that you typically find in supermarkets. Plantains are larger and starchier than Cavendishes, and are often used in cooking. Ladyfingers are smaller and sweeter than Cavendishes, and are often used in desserts.

What is the most popular banana?

There are many different types of bananas, but the most popular type is the Cavendish banana. The Cavendish banana is the type of banana that is typically found in supermarkets. It is a long, yellow fruit with a slightly sweet taste.

Which country has the best banana?

The answer may surprise you. It turns out that the country with the best bananas is Ecuador. Ecuadorian bananas are known for their sweetness and richness. They are also said to have a creamy texture that makes them especially delicious.

Where is the biggest banana in the world?

The biggest banana in the world is in Ecuador. It is called the “Ecuadorian Giant Banana” and it weighs over two pounds!

What is the smallest banana?

We all know that bananas come in different sizes, but have you ever wondered what the smallest banana is?

The answer may surprise you! The smallest banana is actually the Ladyfinger banana. This variety of banana is about four to six inches long and one inch in diameter.

Which country do bananas come from?

The answer may surprise you – Bananas are not native to any country. They are believed to have originated in the region that is now Malaysia and Indonesia. From there, they spread to India and Africa. Today, bananas are grown in more than 100 countries around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of bananas. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture. Some are better for baking while others are better for eating raw. Experiment with different types to find the ones you like best. Bananas are a healthy and delicious snack no matter how you eat them.