From Lady Finger to Red: 9 unique varieties of bananas from across the world

Bananas are one of the most popular and loved fruits around the world. They are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, and natural energy, which boost heart health, aid digestion, and also provide an instant boost of energy, making them a perfect pre- or post-workout snack. This piece of information explores the fascinating varieties of this popular, versatile fruit, which is used to make snacks, main courses, and desserts as well.

This banana variety is native to Malaysia and is small and sweet. It is significantly smaller and thinner than the more commonly known Cavendish banana, typically measuring about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Its skin is thin and the flesh is less dense compared to other banana varieties.

It is a Cavendish variety of banana, grown in the archipelago of the Canary Islands. It has brown flecks on its bright yellow skin due to the higher activity of enzymes. It is at least 14 cm long and has a sweet intense flavour and is rich in potassium and phosphorus.

It is native to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India. It is small, slightly curved and is marked with a slender shape. It stands for its distinct aroma and sweet-tart flavour.

Named after William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Cavendish, this banana is medium-sized and has a thick, bright yellow skin when ripe and is sweet with a creamy texture.

The name pisang raja literally translates to "king of bananas" in Indonesia, reflecting its status due to its superior taste and texture. This banana variety is known for its sweetness, creamy texture, and cirtusy after taste.

Also known as the "Apple banana", this one is one small and chubby variety that stands out for its sweet, fruity flavour, which has hints of apple or strawberry. Its skin is thin and turns a deep yellow with black spots when ripe and is native to Central America.

This variety is native to India and has a distinctive red or purple skin, setting it apart from the more common yellow banana. This variety is smaller, plumper, and has a creamier texture. The flesh of the red banana is soft and sweet with a flavour that hints at raspberry.

This banana variety is indigenous to Uganda and comes with 50 different types. It is shorter than regular banana and stands out with high starch content. This banana is typically mashed and paired with vegetable sauce and ground peanuts.

It is a unique variety of banana, shorter and more squared in shape compared to the common Cavendish banana. When ripe, its skin turns bright yellow and may develop black spots. It has a lemony or tangy flavor when compared to the sweeter taste of more conventional bananas.

It is smaller than more widely known varieties and has a thinner peel. The typical length of this banana is 4-5 inches and one of the defining characteristics of the Latundan banana is its texture and flavor.

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