An Apple Banana is a a short, fat banana, with firm flesh that has a sweet taste with a tang to it similar to an apple.

As it becomes fully ripe, the skin blackens more than ordinary standard bananas.

Apple Bananas are ready to harvest when the fruit is three quarters of the way to full maturity (approximately 15 – 18 months after planting, 6 to 8 weeks after flowering.)

They will continuing ripening, even after being picked.

Cooking Tips

The flesh of Apple Bananas is slow to brown when exposed to air, so they are very good for fruit salads.

Cross-section of apple bananas

© Denzil Green

History Notes

Apple Bananas are native to south-east Asia.

Language Notes

Aka Bananito, Ladyfinger Bananas, Manzana Bananas, Stubby Bananas.

Sources

ADC Commercialisation Bulletin #8: Apple Banana. Kampala, Uganda: Investment in Developing Export Agriculture. 14 May 2001.