The Indian banana or pawpaw (bot. Asimina triloba) is well-known and popular in North America, but not so in Europe. The hardy and easy-care plant bears very tasty fruits that can be used in a variety of ways. Growing it as an ornamental tree is also worthwhile.
When is the Indian banana ripe?
The harvest time for the Indian banana lasts approximately frommid-September to the end of October. Depending on the location and the variety chosen, the time may vary a little. You can recognize ripeness by the intense scent of the fruit and the change in color of the peel.
When does an Indian banana bear fruit?
It takes approximatelyten years from the time it is sown until an Indian banana bears flowers and fruit for the first time. If you buy a young plant, the waiting time is reduced to around three to four years, depending on the size of the plant purchased. So patience is required.
How do I recognize a ripe Indian banana?
A ripe Indian banana is characterized by thefragrance, thecolorand theconsistencyrecognize. Depending on the variety, the fruit turns yellow-green or golden yellow. Some species quickly develop dark spots on the shell, which gives way under light finger pressure. This sometimes happens even before it ripens on the bush. The pulp of the pawpaw is cream-colored to yellow-orange, depending on the variety, and can easily be scooped out or made into puree. The seeds are not poisonous, but are usually not eaten.
What does a ripe Indian banana taste like?
Theexotic-seeming tasteof the Indian banana can hardly be compared with any other fruit. The aroma is most reminiscent of a mixture of pineapple, mango, melon, lemon and banana. However, the pawpaw is not related to the banana. Indian bananas are best eaten fresh, for example in a fruit salad or as fruit puree. The ripe fruits are also ideal for ice cream or milkshakes.
Can a ripe Indian banana be stored for a long time?
An Indian banana that is harvested when fully ripe should not be stored for a long time, but should be consumed quickly. It gets bruised quite quickly and spoils easily. Half-ripe fruits last about four weeks in the refrigerator and even ripen there. If your harvest is too large for immediate consumption, you can also freeze the excess fruit for later consumption.
Tip
Without pollination there is no harvest
Most varieties of Indian banana are not self-fertile but rely on cross-pollination. This means they need other plants to bear fruit. As a rule, Indian bananas of two different varieties are planted together. You therefore need a lot of space in your home garden. Alternatively, you can plant a self-pollinating variety such as Sunflower.
