The Manzano Banana , also do it as the Apple Banana ( Musa × paradisiaca ‘ Manzano ’ ) , is a delightful and unequaled banana miscellanea respect for its compact sizing , mellifluous - tart flavor , and distinct apple - comparable aroma . Smaller than the common Cavendish banana , Manzano banana tree offer a creamy texture and a complex taste that combine banana sweetness with hints of orchard apple tree and strawberry mark , making them a favorite for unfermented feeding , desserts , and tropic looker .

Originating in Central and South America , this cultivar has become a beloved staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines . In this comprehensive guide , we ’ll explore the botanic categorization , account , aboriginal area , identify machine characteristic , predilection , development rate , USDA hardiness zones , culinary applications , nutritionary value , time of year availability , and a fun fact about the Manzano Banana .

Botanical Classification

The Manzano Banana belong to the following taxonomical classification :

The Manzano Banana is a hybrid of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana , sort out as Musa × paradisiaca to announce its intercrossed blood line . It belongs to the AAB genome group , a triploid cultivar with two parts Musa acuminata and one part Musa balbisiana . This genetic makeup impart to its sweet - tart savor and firm texture , distinguishing it from Musa acuminata - rife bananas like Cavendish ( AAA ) or preparation banana like plantains ( AAB / ABB ) . Manzano banana are unfertile , seedless , and propagated vegetatively through suckers or tissue refinement , guarantee consistent fruit quality . The name “ Manzano , ” meaning “ Malus pumila ” in Spanish , chew over its apple - like flavor and aroma .

chronicle of the Manzano Banana

The Manzano Banana ’s history begins in Southeast Asia , where bananas were domesticated around 10,000 age ago in Papua New Guinea and the Malay Archipelago . Hybrids like Manzano , derive from Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana , come forth through instinctive and human - choose crosses , prise for their seedless , flavorful fruits . By 3,000 BCE , banana go around to India , Indonesia , and the Philippines , with AAB cultivar like Manzano likely among those cultivate for their unparalleled predilection .

Manzano bananas are believe to have contact Central and South America via trade itinerary or Polynesian voyagers before the Columbian Exchange , though their exact introduction is unclear . By the 16th century , Spanish and Portuguese Internet Explorer documented banana refinement in the Americas , in particular in Colombia , Ecuador , Peru , and Central America . The Manzano cultivar became a regional favorite , especially in Hawaii , Mexico , and the Caribbean , where it ’s known as the “ Apple Banana ” for its distinctive flavour .

Unlike the export - force Cavendish , Manzano banana tree are in the first place grown for local market place due to their little ledge life and softer frame . Major producer admit Colombia , Ecuador , Costa Rica , Hawaii , Philippines , and Mexico . In the 20th century , Manzano bananas gained popularity in North America and Europe as a specialness fruit , often receive in ethnic markets or tropical fruit base . The menace of Tropical Race 4 ( TR4 ) , a strain of Panama disease , looms over Manzano cultivation , prompting inquiry into resistant kind . Its unique flavor and ethnic signification guarantee its enduring appeal .

Native Area

Manzano Bananas are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia , specifically the Malay Archipelago , Indonesia , Malaysia , and Philippines , where wild Musa species prosper . However , the cultivar is most closely consort with Central and South America , where it was probably introduced centuries ago and became a regional staple .

Today , Manzano bananas are cultivated in tropic and semitropical region , including :

Manzano bananas want affectionate , humid climates with consistent rain or irrigation , thriving in equatorial region . Their finish is less far-flung than Cavendish due to limited commercial exportation , but they ’re a darling local crop in Latin America and Hawaii .

Identifying characteristic

Taste

Growth pace

USDA Hardiness Zones

Culinary Applications

Health Benefits

Season accessibility

Fun Fact

The Manzano Banana , with its apple - similar flavor , is a Hawaiian favorite , often called the “ dessert banana tree ” and dish out fresh at luaus or blended into smoothie bowl with pineapple and coconut ! In Colombia , local believe eating Manzano banana brings near luck , and they ’re a traditional gift during celebrations . Their compact size and vivacious flavor inspired a Caribbean cognomen , “ Manzanita ” ( little apple ) , and they ’re so cherished in Puerto Rico that street vendors trade grilled Manzano as a perfumed , smoky goody , ravish tourists and local anaesthetic likewise !

Care and Cultivation Tips for Manzano Banana plant life

Challenges and condition