The banana plant is a the world's largest herbaceous plant bearing edible fruits. The baby banana is also known as the Mini banana. It is trademarked by the global banana brand, Chiquita. Baby bananas were developed and marketed specifically as a snack banana for the children's consumer market. They are heavily promoted for their thin easy-to-peel peel and their unique sweetness for their size.

Baby bananas are distinguished by their size and flavor. Like many bananas, baby bananas wear a bright yellow signature peel, however the peel is thin, unlike the common banana. As their name suggests, they are petite in length, averaging three to four inches. Baby bananas have a very dense creamy texture and once ripe their flavor is rich and sweet with vanilla and caramel undertones.

Serving Ideas

Baby bananas are a quintessential fresh eating banana and can be used as a dessert banana as well. Their sweetness lends to many recipes in various applications. Baby bananas can be a principle ingredient in smoothies, baby food, pudding, cakes, muffins, bread, cookies, ice cream and tarts.

Geography/History

Bananas grow best in wet tropical conditions and establish themselves quickly, often producing harvest within fifteen months after planting. One of the greatest advantages of banana plants is that the herb successively produces fruit indefinitely without discrimination to seasons. The few baby banana varieties found in the commercial marketplace are Pisang Mas, originally from Malaysia as well as Ladyfinger and Orito.

Seasons/Availability

Baby bananas are available year round.