Meet Blue Java Banana: The Magical Fruit That Tastes Like Ice Cream

If you thought bananas were just your average, everyday fruit, think again. Imagine peeling open a banana to discover a creamy, vanilla ice cream-like delight inside. Enter the Blue Java banana, often dubbed the "ice cream banana" for its unique flavour and texture.

This tropical wonder isn't just a pretty face with its frosty blue skin; it's got a secret inside. Take a bite, and you'll swear you're eating vanilla ice cream. No blender, no toppings, just pure, creamy, dreamy deliciousness straight from nature.

Hawaiian Blue Java is the Banana That Tastes Like Dessert

The Origins of the Hawaiian Blue Java Banana

Originally hailing from Southeast Asia, the Blue Java banana made its way to Hawaii, where it became a local legend.

Thanks to its smooth, custardy texture and a flavour that's like someone crossed a banana with a scoop of vanilla gelato, it's earned the nickname "Ice Cream Banana". It's also tougher than your average banana, handling cooler temperatures like a champ—so if you're thinking of growing your own, you won't need to live in a tropical jungle to make it happen.

Can You Get Blue Java Bananas in Australia?

Now, the real question: where do you get one? Sadly, if you're in Australia, you're not likely to spot these in your local supermarket. However, select nurseries in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and Perth sell these banana plants, meaning you can grow your own right at home—if you've got the patience. These beauties take from 12 months to 2 years to bear fruit, but once they do, you'll have your very own homegrown stash of nature's ice cream.

If you’re lucky, you might even come across them at specialty markets or boutique grocers, but the best bet is to plant one yourself and wait for the magic to happen.

Growing Your Own Blue Bananas

Growing your own blue banana tree is like planting a little slice of tropical magic in your backyard. While it takes a bit of patience, the reward—homegrown, naturally sweet, and creamy bananas—is totally worth it.

Blue Java banana trees love the sun, so pick a warm, sunny location with well-draining soil. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, but they're surprisingly hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures better than most banana varieties. If you're in a frost-prone area, plant them in a sheltered spot or consider growing them in a large pot so you can move them indoors during winter.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's root base and mix in some compost or organic matter for extra nutrients. Place your banana tree in the hole, cover the roots with soil, and water it well. These plants love moisture, so keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. A thick layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots happy.

Blue Javas are hungry plants. Feed them with a high-potassium fertiliser (such as banana peels, compost, or a balanced fertiliser) every month during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged—too much water can lead to root rot, and too little will slow down growth.

The bananas start off with their iconic bluish tint before ripening into a soft yellow. Once they're fully ripe, that's when the vanilla magic happens. 

Bonus: Growing in Pots

If space is tight, these banana trees can grow in large pots (at least 50 litres or more). Just make sure they get plenty of sunlight, regular feeding, and deep watering. A pot-grown tree might take longer to produce fruit, but the reward is still just as sweet.

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