A banana that tastes like ice cream called the Blue Java Banana has been and continues to make the rounds on social media. The texture is compared to vanilla ice cream. The blue color of the banana has gotten much more blue thanks to social media photoshopping skills.
Blue Java Banana, grown in the Hawaiian Islands, tastes like vanilla ice cream. pic.twitter.com/aiEtYFtFnF
— RustlingTrees (@RustlingTrees) October 17, 2021
The blue java is far from a dyed Easter egg blue. An unripe blue java starts out blue and green, then turns yellow once it's ripe. Which means, you won't get the vanilla ice cream tasting experience when it's "feelin' blue"
The weird fruit explorer isn't feelin' the vanilla ice cream taste. He enjoys the creamy texture, and thinks it tastes more like berries. This increases the blue java curiousity.
The blue java is also known as the Hawaiian banana. It grows well in Hawaii and Florida, but can also grow in a bit colder climates. Wonder how it would do with the Texas weather? The word is they can tolerate some dry months, but must have about 3 that have a decent amount of rain. With Central Texas being in a drought right now, extra irrigation will be needed.
More Blue Java Banana tidbits:
BJB plants can grow 15-20 feet tall
BJBs are closer to the size of plantains, but not the same taste. Plantains have a blander, starchier taste.
BJBs can take 1-2 years to grow.
BJBs would be tasty in desserts and smoothies.
It doesn't look like blue javas are easy to find, and in high demand. Not a shocker these days. Fast Growing Trees and Miami Fruit (pre-orders) seem to be popular places to purchase a plant or pre-order them (not in season). Amazon has some places that pop up when you search Blue Java Bananas. Beware of the blue color. Many imposters are popping up.
Other resources:
A guide to Ice Cream Banana Trees
How to Grow Banana Trees in Texas
