Originally Posted by venturabananas

Here are the key features that distinguish "Pseudo-Ice Cream" from "Blue Java" that I notice and that Gabe has commented on:

Blue Java: fruit are usually quite blue, a little angular, not normally packed really tight on the bunch; bracts sort of a normal dark purple.

Pseudo-Ice Cream (Pisang Awak): fruit are not really blue (maybe a slight tinge) though very powdery, completed rounded in cross section when ripe, and densely packed on the bunch; bracts are more pink than dark purple.


There's been talk about whether the pink borders on the leaves and petioles can distinguish the two (pink on Pseudo Ice Cream). I know Tony's observations of his plants are correct since I've seen them, but since I got my true Blue Java from him, new leaves they've put out have initially had pink borders. It could have to do with the light environment, temperature, or who knows? So, I don't think the presence of a pink border is a definitive characteristic.

Gabe also says the blue color of the fruit is not definitive, though I think it is safe to say that if the fruit are really blue, they are Blue Java; but you can also have fruit that aren't all the blue that are also Blue Java.

I've only eaten the Pseudo Ice Cream and they are very good. Not sure if the true Blue Java is worth all the hype, but I hope to find out eventually. Based on how it fares at Quail Gardens in Encinitas, it is a tough, reliable plant.