The ice cream banana tree, also known as the blue java banana, is a unique variety of banana that tastes like vanilla ice cream. Its official botanical name is Musa acuminata x balbisiana ‘Blue Java’. This cold hardy banana plant produces tasty bluish-silver colored fruit that have a creamy, sweet flavor reminiscent of icy desserts.
What Does the Ice Cream Banana Tree Look Like?
The ice cream banana tree grows up to 20 feet tall with sturdy pseudostems covered in reddish-purple blotches. The large, emerald green leaf blades can measure up to 9 feet long and 2 feet wide. These tropical-looking trees are native to Southeast Asia but can be grown in USDA growing zones 9-11 as an ornamental patio plant or in a greenhouse.
The most distinctive feature of the blue java banana plant is the unique silver-blue coloring of the fruit skins. As the bananas ripen, they will turn more of a silvery cream shade. The inside flesh is creamy white with soft yellow overtones.
Origin of the Ice Cream Banana
The blue java banana is a natural hybrid of the East African Highland banana Musa acuminata and the seeded Musa balbisiana banana species. It originated in tropical parts of Southeast Asia and was eventually introduced to the Hawaii Islands in the late 19th century.
It got the nickname “ice cream banana” for its frosty creamy texture and sweet vanilla-like taste. Since being imported to Hawaii, the ice cream banana has been shared with tropical regions around the world.
Flavor and Texture
When ripe, the flesh of the ice cream banana has a soft custard-like texture and a rich, creamy banana flavor. The taste and mouthfeel mimics sweet melted vanilla ice cream. The fruit has 20-25% sugar content, making it one of the sweetest banana varieties.
Blue java bananas are fancied by chefs for their versatility in desserts, smoothies, and ice creams. The ripe fruit can be enjoyed raw as a healthy snack. Some people like to freeze slices to make “healthy ice cream” popsicles.
Growing Conditions
Although native to hot Southeast Asia, the ice cream banana tree can handle light frosts and cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C). However, it thrives best in tropical environments with warm humid conditions. Ideal growing zones are 9-11.
The blue java banana prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil and plenty of sunshine. Shelter the plant from strong winds which can shred the large leaves. Proper irrigation is key, soaking the soil thoroughly then allowing it dry out slightly between waterings.
Apply a balanced fertilizer and compost or manure every 2-3 months. Wrap or move plants during freezing weather. Prune dead leaves as needed. Remove male buds to direct energy to the fruit. Harvest bananas when the tips turn yellow with brown spots.
Growing an Ice Cream Banana Tree in a Pot
The blue java banana can be grown in a large container on a patio, balcony, or indoors in a glass conservatory. Choose a 30+ gallon pot and use a quality potting mix amended with compost. Site in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Move container grown ice cream banana plants indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). The tree may only grow to 6-10 feet tall in a pot versus 20 feet in ground. Be aware that container grown bananas often yield smaller fruit.
Where to Buy Ice Cream Banana Plants
You can purchase a live ice cream banana plant or rhizome from a tropical plant nursery online or find a local supplier of exotic fruit trees. A small plant costs $40-60 depending on the size.
Look for a healthy blue java banana specimen with no signs of leaf spot, blemishes, or lesions on the pseudostem. Avoid plants with yellowing lower leaves or stunted growth. Inspect the roots before buying.
Propagation
The ice cream banana tree is commonly propagated by dividing offshoots, called pups, that form at the base of the mother plant. These new saplings, which are clones of the parent, can be cut away and replanted once they reach 1-2 feet tall.
You can also propagate blue java bananas from rhizome pieces, though they will take longer to fruit. Plant rhizome sections 3-4 inches long just below the soil surface and keep warm and moist.
How Long Does it Take to Bear Fruit?
If grown from an offshoot, the ice cream banana may flower and produce fruit within 10-12 months. Plants started from seeds or rhizomes can take up to 2 years to yield the first harvest.
Banana trees are considered mature when the pseudostem reaches at least 6 inches in diameter. The plant needs this level of vigor for good fruit production.
Average Yield
A mature ice cream banana tree can produce anywhere from 30 to 300 fruits per healthy bunch. The average yield is in the range of 100 bananas. Higher yields come from plants grown in tropical environments with ideal conditions.
Expect smaller yields of smaller sized fruit when grown in pots or marginal climates. The heaviest yields occur during summer and fall. Remove excess fruit from bunches to increase the size of remaining bananas.
Pests and Diseases
The ice cream banana is prone to some of the same issues as other banana varieties. Leaf spot diseases, banana weevils, bunchy top virus, and nematodes may occasionally infect plants.
Good sanitation and prevention practices include:
- Avoid watering foliage
- Treat with neem oil
- Remove diseased leaves
- Disinfect tools and gloves
- Quarantine infected plants
Contact a local agricultural extension office for advice on managing diseases specific to your climate.
Toxicity
All parts of the ice cream banana plant contain the toxin cyanide, including the fruit peel and leaves. Eating unripe or under-ripe bananas can cause cramps and illness.
Fully ripened blue java banana fruit are safe to eat. Toxic compounds break down as the bananas ripen. Avoid ingesting other parts of the tree or uncooked fruit.
Uses for Ice Cream Bananas
Ripe ice cream bananas can be used just like regular bananas. Popular ways to use them include:
- Fresh out-of-hand snacks
- Smoothies, milkshakes, and ice cream
- Banana pudding and custards
- Banana bread and muffins
- Toppings for yogurt or oatmeal
- Frozen banana popsicles
Unripe green bananas have a starchy texture good for frying, boiling, or adding to curries. The beautiful blue java banana leaves are sometimes used fresh or dried for cooking food in tropical regions.
Nutrition Facts
The ice cream banana is high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants. One medium 8″ banana contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 121 |
| Carbs | 31 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Potassium | 453 mg |
| Vitamin C | 17% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 20% DV |
Health Benefits
Some of the top health benefits of the ice cream banana include:
- Good source of prebiotics for digestive health
- Antioxidants help reduce inflammation
- Potassium regulates heart function
- Fiber aids digestion and weight control
- Creamy soft texture is easy to chew and swallow
- Low glycemic index helps control blood sugar
- High moisture content hydrates the body
Fun Facts
Here are a few interesting tidbits about ice cream bananas:
- A cluster of bananas is called a “hand” with individual bananas called “fingers”
- Banana plants are giant herbs related to lilies and orchids
- Fully ripe bananas quickly turn brown because of ethylene gas released
- Banana peels contain good amounts of antioxidant compounds
- Uganda is the leading global exporter of bananas
- Banana sap can be used to make a vegan alternative to gelatin
- The scientific name Musa refers to the Ancient Greek muse of music
Conclusion
The ice cream banana tree produces fragrant bluish-silver bananas whose sweet creamy flesh tastes just like vanilla ice cream. This tropical banana variety likely originated in Southeast Asia and was eventually introduced to Hawaii where it gained its popular nickname. While typically grown as an ornamental patio plant in zones 9-11, the blue java banana can be container grown in any climate with winter protection.
The ice cream banana thrives on ample sunshine, regular irrigation, and organic compost. Plants will produce large flavorful bunches within a year or two. Protect banana trees from pests and diseases. Fully ripe bananas can be enjoyed fresh or used in smoothies, desserts, and baking recipes. The blue java banana is sure to satisfy any craving for a cool, sweet tropical treat.