Although the banana varieties in the world are hundreds, in Europe the most common one is the yellow Cavendish that we all know and which represents about 40% of world production. Yet for some time there has been a new one rare and exotic variety which is gaining media attention and global interest, and it is the Blue Java banana. This fruit, also known as "banana ice cream"Because of its pleasant vanilla flavor, it is present only in some countries, yet there are already those who bet not only on its spread, but also on a possible food trend on a par with that of avocado.

A very sweet and unusual fruit to be discovered

Blue Java bananas are a hybrid of two banana species native to Southeast Asia, namely Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata, and are grown in several Asian countries, in various parts of Central America, Hawaii and Australia. Their size is slightly larger than Cavendish, as is the nutritional profile and content of fiber, manganese and vitamins B6 and C.
However, the coloring of the peel, which in the maturing phase takes aunusual blue-greenish hue to then turn pale yellow when mature and pulp white with black seeds which is soft, dense and creamy like an ice cream and dal singular taste reminiscent of vanilla or custard. Another interesting feature of the "frozen banana" concerns its plant, between 4 and 6 meters high, particularly resistant to both cold climates and wind, which makes it easy to grow at home and potentially cultivable in Europe as well. The blue banana in Italy, at least for now, is almost completely unavailable, however it is possible to buy the seeds or the plant on some online stores.

Blue java banana in the kitchen: not just ice cream

In the countries where it is grown, blue banana comes eaten both raw and cooked, which makes it a truly versatile fruit in the kitchen. Due to the taste and consistency, it represents first of all one valid and low-calorie alternative to the classic ice cream; in addition to crushing it to obtain a simple, but tasty, spoon dessert, it can be frozen and blended together with other ingredients, such as berries or various natural flavors. Crushed, Blue Java can also be used as a basic ingredient for smoothies and milkshakes, perhaps combined with chia and avocado seeds, or for baked desserts such as muffins, cakes and plumcakes. Fresh and sliced, it is an excellent one topping for puddings, yogurt and pancakes. In general, this variety of banana can be combined, both for sweet and savory dishes, with other ingredients such as berries, citrus fruits, pineapple, coconut milk, almonds, agave syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg, cinnamon and pineapple.

In Italy, in 2019, Blue Java was used by Rubicone, a leading company in semi-finished products, which made it the main ingredient of a version revisited by the famous blue smurf ice cream from the 80s. Now that the color of the year is Pantone Classic Blue, one wonders if this tropical blue banana cannot make its way in Italy and become one of the next food trends of 2020.