Although we are used to yellow bananas, there is a variety that stands out for its color. Blue Java Banana is a type with a flavor and texture reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. In addition to its interesting flavor, it stands out for the bright blue hue of its skin and its creamy white pulp.
Although not as well known as Canarian bananas or plantains, blue Java bananas are grown in Southeast Asia and enjoyed as a delicious all-natural dessert.
What are Blue Java Bananas?
Blue Java bananas are a type of crop known for their unique flavor and appearance. They are a hybrid of two species of banana native to Southeast Asia: Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata.
Before they are fully ripe, they have an unusually blue-tinged shell due to their natural wax coating. This tends to slowly fade as they mature. They are also longer and stockier in appearance than other banana varieties, with white flesh and small black seeds. So even though it might be expected to be blue on the inside, its inner appearance is just like a regular yellow banana.
Those who have tried it claim that it tastes like ice cream, but how is this possible? Basically it is due to the natural compounds of its pulp. The blue banana has an interesting flavor that is often compared to that of vanilla ice cream or custard. Their smooth, creamy flesh gives them a texture that also resembles the popular dessert. This makes them a great substitute for regular ice cream.
Because of their unique flavor and consistency, these bluish bananas are often used in smoothies, added to desserts, or swapped for regular bananas to make a natural, low-calorie “nice cream.”
Nutritional value
As these are a type of banana crop, they have a very similar nutrient profile to other banana varieties. Like other types, they are a great source of fiber, manganese, and vitamins B6 and C. Unfortunately, exact nutritional values for this fruit are not available. However, experts say that it looks very similar to those of a medium banana:
- Energy: 105 calories
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin B6: 26% of the daily value
- Manganese: 14%
- Vitamin C: 11%
- Copper: 10%
- Potassium: 9%
- Pantothenic acid: 8%
- Magnesium: 8%
- Riboflavin: 7%
- Folate: 6%
- Niacin: 5%
Blue Java bananas also provide small amounts of iron, phosphorus, thiamin, and selenium.
Advantages
Adding blue Java bananas to your diet can offer several health benefits. Although it is not usually available in a local supermarket, it is possible that we can treat ourselves by ordering it imported.
promote weight loss
At just 105 calories per serving, Blue Java Bananas are a great low-calorie alternative to sweet treats like ice cream and custard. Swapping blue bananas for other sweets can not only help reduce calorie intake, but can also increase your daily fiber intake.
Fiber travels through the gastrointestinal tract slowly, which helps promote feelings of fullness to keep you satisfied between meals. In fact, studies show that increasing your intake of high-fiber foods can benefit weight management. Additionally, science found that eating fruit may be associated with weight loss.
Supports digestive health
In addition to boosting weight loss, the fiber in blue bananas can have a powerful effect on digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps things move around and promotes regularity.
Science shows that fiber can also help treat various digestive disorders, including hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Each medium banana provides approximately 3 grams of fiber, which is approximately 12% of the recommended daily value for this nutrient.
Rich in antioxidants
Blue Java Bananas are loaded with antioxidants, which are powerful compounds that can help protect against cell damage. Antioxidant compounds in bananas include gallic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, and dopamine.
Antioxidants are also believed to play a key role in disease prevention and may help protect against chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. So this fruit helps strengthen the immune system and protect us from the most complicated diseases.
Disadvantages
When enjoyed in moderation, this bluish fruit can be a safe and healthy addition to a well-rounded diet. There are no major drawbacks in eating fruit daily, and even less so if it is changed frequently. This type of banana does not pose any health risk in people without previous pathologies.
However, although they have more carbohydrates than many other types of fruit, bananas have a relatively low glycemic index, which is a measure of how much specific foods can raise blood sugar levels. However, people with type 2 diabetes should be mindful of their intake and monitor blood sugar levels after consuming carbohydrate-rich foods, including blue bananas.
This fruit can also trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to latex . In fact, according to some reports, around 30-50% of people with latex allergies are also sensitive to certain plant foods, including bananas. So we need to make sure we are careful when trying new foods like blue Java bananas if we have other allergies.
How are they eaten?
There are many options for how to add this tasty ingredient to your diet. Although it can be difficult to find available in any grocery store, it is likely to be found in exotic fruit stores or online.
One of the most popular ways is to make good cream by freezing bananas and blending them in a food processor until they reach a smooth, rich consistency. Blue bananas also work well in shakes, smoothies , or as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal.
You can even try swapping regular bananas for Java Blues in your favorite recipes and desserts, like banana bread, pancakes, muffins, or cookies. And of course, we can enjoy raw blue bananas as a healthy, convenient and portable snack on the go.
