Bananas always surprise in their shape, color, size and taste. Their appearance varies greatly. There are around 400 types of bananas in total. In Germany, 20 varieties are part of the vitamin-rich experience.
What types of bananas are there?
In total there are around 400 varieties of bananas, which differ in shape, color, size and taste. The best-known varieties include fruit bananas such as Dwarf Cavendish, plantains such as Manihot esculenta (cassava) and ornamental bananas such as Musa basjoo.
Colorful variety
It is often unknown here that not all bananas are yellow. There are: brown, red, pink and striped bananas.
Some of them are highly aromatic, others fruity and sweet. Some varieties, on the other hand, are characterized by their floury, starchy and rather firm taste.
The cultivated, more classic fruit bananas are usually exported. Compared to others, these are rather watery.
Three types of bananas:
Fruit bananas
These are often yellow. The flesh is soft, light and tastes sweet. Varieties: Dwarf Cavendish, Giant-Cavendish, Grande Naine, Musa sikkimensis Darjeeling
Plantains (plantains)
They are often baked, boiled or roasted. Raw, they taste rather floury. In Latin America they are on the menu every day in combination with rice and beans. Varieties: Manihot esculenta (manioc, yucca)
Textile bananas
These varieties use the leaves and not the fruits. The most widespread is the fiber banana from Indonesia. Nets, yarns and cordage are made from the so-called Manila fibers of the leaf sheaths. Variety: Musa textilis
ornamental bananas
Special varieties (smaller houseplants) are suitable for winter gardens and living rooms. Varieties: Musa basjoo, Musa ensete ventricosum, Ensete ventricosum Maurelii, Musa velutina, Musa yunnanensis, Musa Burmese Blue
Banana as a staple food
Due to this diverse range, this fruit is considered a staple food in many countries around the world. The banana takes on the role of our potato.
Plantains or plantains are primarily used in the tropics as a basis for the daily menu. They are also used to make flour, beer or chips, for example.
Tips & Tricks
Plantains are now also available in our supermarkets. A culinary adventure is definitely worth it.
