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View Full Version : Blue Java - the Real Deal!!!


bananimal
08-28-2013, 08:26 PM
Stopped by a club members house today to talk about papayas and spotted this bunch on one of his old BJ mats. I said I'll take it to go and here it is. Look at how big the fingers are --- this mat is growing in an old cow pasture.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54381&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54381&ppuser=820)

Note the long pedicels and the blue-ish skin.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54380&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54380&ppuser=820)

Will do a taste report when they ripen up.

PR-Giants
08-28-2013, 08:52 PM
You probably should use a Grade 70 chain to hold that bunch.

The yellow chromate (gold) plating makes it easily recognizable even from a distance.

sunfish
08-28-2013, 09:27 PM
I wonder if someone spread azomite in the pasture. They must have to get fingers that size

PR-Giants
08-28-2013, 09:47 PM
I wonder if someone spread azomite in the pasture. They must have to get fingers that size

You shouldn't have to wonder, the farmer probably fed azomite to the cows and then the cows spread it in the pasture.

Azomite is the best, it's a gift that keeps on giving.
http://azomite.com/resources/feed_guidelines.pdf

If someone in Milwaukee eats those bananas, the cycle will keep on going.
Milorganite (http://milorganite.com/About)

sal
08-28-2013, 09:51 PM
Nice!!:woohoonaner:

momoese
08-28-2013, 10:33 PM
You guys sure love to poke fun at Azomite. Got any proof that it doesn't perform? I don't use it but for those that do your constant poo pooing must be somewhat annoying.

PR-Giants
08-28-2013, 11:03 PM
You guys sure love to poke fun at Azomite. Got any proof that it doesn't perform? I don't use it but for those that do your constant poo pooing must be somewhat annoying.

Mitchel, I don't think anyone is implying that it doesn't work.

The real question is how much does it really help?

I'm sure the cost benefit ratio would be extremely low.

I also agree it is somewhat annoying.

Anyway, where are all the University studies proving how great it is?

momoese
08-28-2013, 11:56 PM
Mitchel, I don't think anyone is implying that it doesn't work.



Do you even hear yourself? If people are having fun with it and growing giant kale or whatever, why poo poo them? They are not going to effect your life in any way so why all the hate?

bananimal
08-29-2013, 12:15 AM
I wonder if someone spread azomite in the pasture. They must have to get fingers that size

Think 100 years of poopamite - livestock just keep on giving. The mangos, citrus, cados and lychee trees there are all monsters. Three acres of fruit trees that never need store bought fert. Wish I had half that much land to play farmer Brown with. That's an acre and a half, Tony. :ha:

trebor
08-29-2013, 08:19 AM
Think 100 years of poopamite :ha:

THIS QUOTE WILL NO DOUBT LIVE ON... YES POOPAMITE NEEDS ITS PLACE ON WIKI

Dalmatiansoap
08-29-2013, 09:51 AM
POOPAMITE -the Real Deal!!!
:nanadrink:

PR-Giants
08-29-2013, 03:28 PM
why all the hate?

Don't be silly.

There's no emotions involved in a cost benefit analysis.

I pruned & harvested an avocado tree yesterday, filled the order and had an extra 800 lbs of fruit.

The extra fruit was free and will make great compost

What's better for the soil, $20 worth of Azomite or. 800 lbs of cados & an extra Jackson in your pocket.

Every city has some type of waste material, free or at little cost, that can benefit your soil

:08::08::08:

PR-Giants
08-29-2013, 03:37 PM
Will do a taste report when they ripen up.
:woohoonaner:
It always nice to be able to taste the fruit before you invest time and space.

Great Haul :nanadrink:

edzone9
08-29-2013, 08:25 PM
Cant wait to the test review Dan !..

cincinnana
08-29-2013, 09:14 PM
I think your going to need a bigger fence.....from the movie BANANAS..:ha::ha:
Nice pic Dan

momoese
08-30-2013, 12:39 AM
Don't be silly.

There's no emotions involved in a cost benefit analysis.

I pruned & harvested an avocado tree yesterday, filled the order and had an extra 800 lbs of fruit.

The extra fruit was free and will make great compost

What's better for the soil, $20 worth of Azomite or .800 lbs of cados & an extra Jackson in your pocket.

Every city has some type of waste material, free or at little cost, that can benefit your soil

:08::08::08:

Some people who use free city compost and "rock dust" report improved results in test plots.

We haven't always had peer reviewed studies, we had to experiment along the way.

Snookie
08-30-2013, 01:30 PM
Rabbit rolls fertilizer...

http://www.pictureshack.us/images/67157_rabbit4.jpg

Now if I can simply get them to drop the droppings on the plants, I'll be happy:}

http://www.pictureshack.us/images/50766_Yeah-Right-On-67450627640.jpg

Rmplmnz
08-31-2013, 09:32 AM
Stopped by a club members house today to talk about papayas and spotted this bunch on one of his old BJ mats. I said I'll take it to go and here it is. Look at how big the fingers are --- this mat is growing in an old cow pasture.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54381&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54381&ppuser=820)

Note the long pedicels and the blue-ish skin.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54380&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54380&ppuser=820)

Will do a taste report when they ripen up.

Nice job!

I have a bunch this size with no fertilizer (other than the Forrest Floor). No watering (other than rain) it is in the back corner of my yard and easily the most neglected banana plant in our garden.

I will post some pics later.

For us the key is maintaining the "Forrest Floor"....layers of leaves, horse poo and wood chippings (all obtained for free, as unwanted byproduct).

Rmplmnz
08-31-2013, 10:30 AM
2013 08 31 Garden Tour - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdxUz3QgXJU&feature=youtu.be)

More pics than you want:-)
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream4_zps79aad402.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream4_zps79aad402.jpg.html)
http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream_zps7b749e32.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream_zps7b749e32.jpg.html)http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream_zps7b749e32.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream_zps7b749e32.jpg.html)http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream2_zps41080934.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream2_zps41080934.jpg.html)http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream9_zps7dc43be3.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream9_zps7dc43be3.jpg.html)http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream11_zpscd64f44f.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream11_zpscd64f44f.jpg.html)http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/rmplmnz/20130831IceCream8_zpsa346f9ec.jpg (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/rmplmnz/media/20130831IceCream8_zpsa346f9ec.jpg.html)

bananimal
08-31-2013, 11:59 AM
Thanks for the pics Rmpl. Now I'm convinced my fruit are the real deal BJ.

So give us a taste/texture descript.

Rmplmnz
09-01-2013, 09:38 AM
Thanks for the pics Rmpl. Now I'm convinced my fruit are the real deal BJ.

So give us a taste/texture descript.

BJ, Awesome...that is a very nice raceme you scored! I will post more pics when the fruit is harvested. You ever make to Tampa you are welcome to divisions of whatever we have!

:08:

Chris

Julian
09-02-2013, 01:58 AM
Thatʻs the real deal. I am pretty sure youʻll find them to be just okay in taste. I dug up my mat of them because they were just not up to snuff. :nanadrink:

Rmplmnz
09-04-2013, 01:54 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43466&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43466)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43465&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43465)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43464&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43464)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43463&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43463)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=43462&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=43462)
Left to Right
Banana Racemes Ice Cream, Saba & Ele Ele

caliboy1994
09-04-2013, 04:44 PM
Left to Right
Banana Racemes Ice Cream, Saba & Ele Ele

How tall is the pseudostem on Ice Cream?

bananimal
09-04-2013, 07:51 PM
How tall is the pseudostem on Ice Cream?

Almost medium tall. About 3 ft shorter than the PK.

caliboy1994
09-05-2013, 01:31 PM
And any reports on the flavor yet? :08:

bananimal
09-06-2013, 12:06 AM
And any reports on the flavor yet? :08:

Nope. Have cut off the first hand and separated the fingers. Put 2 in a paper bag with a persimmon to speed up ripening. Still mostly green - the persimmon too.

PR-Giants
09-06-2013, 11:45 AM
Nope. Have cut off the first hand and separated the fingers. Put 2 in a paper bag with a persimmon to speed up ripening. Still mostly green - the persimmon too.

Wow, That's Great.

I want the Real Blue Java, a GSL of over 9 days, Nice !!!

bananimal
09-06-2013, 05:52 PM
Wow, That's Great.

I want the Real Blue Java, a GSL of over 9 days, Nice !!!

OK --- I'll bite --- whatz GSL mean --- Gender and Sexuality Law, Guaranteed Student Loan, Glock Shooting League…..what?

PR-Giants
09-06-2013, 06:30 PM
OK --- I'll bite --- whatz GSL mean --- Gender and Sexuality Law, Guaranteed Student Loan, Glock Shooting League…..what?

Sorry about that, I was thinking in spanish and writing in english.

In your case it would be BSL- Blue Shelf Life.

bananimal
09-13-2013, 07:16 AM
Taste report on Blue Java bunch.

Now I know why this thing got called Ice Cream. When I cut open the first one I saw creamy white flesh. Like vanilla ice cream.

Texture is very soft when fully ripe. Taste is astringent until they fully ripen. Then it's ok ---- that's it folks ----- it's a mediocre naner at best. Still don't like it straight but it works cut up in breakfast cereal. The dog loves them, but then she likes to chew on her butt too!

It just isn't worth a full blown description like robguz does. Why do so many folks want this thing? Where is the hype coming from?

Abnshrek
09-13-2013, 08:27 AM
Taste report on Blue Java bunch.
Now I know why this thing got called Ice Cream. When I cut open the first one I saw creamy white flesh. The dog loves them, but then she likes to chew on her butt too!
It just isn't worth a full blown description like robguz does. Why do so many folks want this thing? Where is the hype coming from?

To Funny Dan.. I think its all in the name... the draw, there's a sucker born every minute they say.. Maybe that's why agri-starts doesn't use the real thing.. :^)

momoese
09-13-2013, 10:29 AM
Taste report on Blue Java bunch.

Now I know why this thing got called Ice Cream. When I cut open the first one I saw creamy white flesh. Like vanilla ice cream.

Texture is very soft when fully ripe. Taste is astringent until they fully ripen. Then it's ok ---- that's it folks ----- it's a mediocre naner at best. Still don't like it straight but it works cut up in breakfast cereal. The dog loves them, but then she likes to chew on her butt too!

It just isn't worth a full blown description like robguz does. Why do so many folks want this thing? Where is the hype coming from?

Exactly why mine was removed and replaced with Namwah! :ha:

robguz24
09-13-2013, 01:22 PM
I think the hype comes from the name too. The blue bananas look nice, so there's novelty in that. But where I live anyway, they're a pain to grow. They always lean and seem to get more nematode and weevil damage that others. It would be nice if people weren't so focused on the type. It's just not even worth growing and I'll eat a grocery store cavendish before these. They work well frozen, but even then Namwahs are superior and make better banana "ice cream."

sunfish
09-13-2013, 02:50 PM
I have not seen any hype on the Blue Java banana tree

Dalmatiansoap
09-13-2013, 02:55 PM
hype?

dripsta23
09-13-2013, 03:35 PM
I am currently growing a blue java for first time have not tasted yet. I think what bananimal means by hype is that the wiki states that the blue java is rated best tasting by many people Musa Ice Cream (Blue Java - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Ice_Cream_(Blue_Java)) . some people in banana community I think reject the blue java due to the fact that its color is blue and not ordinary green.

ez
09-13-2013, 03:58 PM
Taste report on Blue Java bunch.

Now I know why this thing got called Ice Cream. When I cut open the first one I saw creamy white flesh. Like vanilla ice cream.

Texture is very soft when fully ripe. Taste is astringent until they fully ripen. Then it's ok ---- that's it folks ----- it's a mediocre naner at best. Still don't like it straight but it works cut up in breakfast cereal. The dog loves them, but then she likes to chew on her butt too!

It just isn't worth a full blown description like robguz does. Why do so many folks want this thing? Where is the hype coming from?

Your taste report is right on, for years I thought my ice cream didn't taste so good because of the environment (fertilizer, water and sandy alkaline soil), four months ago and after three and half years I've removed the mat.

robguz24
09-13-2013, 04:35 PM
And it seems that "best testing" and "tastes like ice cream" comments seem to make it into descriptions of them on sites and ebay listings selling them.

I was sure I already had an extensive taste report on here, but then remembered the last time I had some, they were so yucky I couldn't even bring myself to have 2 and write a report.

PR-Giants
09-13-2013, 04:45 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if it was a top quality cooking banana. :08:

sunfish
09-13-2013, 04:47 PM
I am currently growing a blue java for first time have not tasted yet. I think what bananimal means by hype is that the wiki states that the blue java is rated best tasting by many people Musa Ice Cream (Blue Java - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Ice_Cream_(Blue_Java)) . some people in banana community I think reject the blue java due to the fact that its color is blue and not yellow like a banana should be.

The color is yellow when ripe.

sunfish
09-13-2013, 04:48 PM
And it seems that "best testing" and "tastes like ice cream" comments seem to make it into descriptions of them on sites and ebay listings selling them.

I was sure I already had an extensive taste report on here, but then remembered the last time I had some, they were so yucky I couldn't even bring myself to have 2 and write a report.

You mentioned many times that they are yucky

http://www.bananas.org/f2/musa-blue-java-florida-hill-nursery-18209-2.html#post221743

http://www.bananas.org/f2/how-long-does-take-blue-java-17373.html#post213304

bananimal
09-14-2013, 01:20 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if it was a top quality cooking banana. :08:

Still have about 2 doz left on the stalk. Will try frying a couple and see. The texture is so mushy/fluffy that it may fall apart.

Bottom line ---- I'll never grow this thing!!!!

Julian
09-14-2013, 01:30 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if it was a top quality cooking banana. :08:

They are terrible cooked.

bananimal
09-14-2013, 01:34 AM
They are terrible cooked.

That's what I'm thinking too. lol

PR-Giants
09-14-2013, 12:47 PM
They are terrible cooked.

:woohoonaner:

You're probably right, A cooking banana that tastes terrible cooked, but it does taste pretty good ripe.

:ha::ha::ha:

Julian
09-14-2013, 10:14 PM
:woohoonaner:

You're probably right, A cooking banana that tastes terrible cooked, but it does taste pretty good ripe.

:ha::ha::ha:


http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/UHMG/downloads/Bananas_ADSC.pdf


What they say about cooking it...

"Both the immature and mature stage can be used for cooking, but they develop an astringency after cooking."

robguz24
09-15-2013, 02:36 AM
In case anyone is wondering, I think they're yucky cooked. I've never actually had them cooked, but I'm pretty sure they're yucky. Please search my previous posts for my comments on how yucky they are. ;)

PR-Giants
09-15-2013, 08:03 AM
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/UHMG/downloads/Bananas_ADSC.pdf


What they say about cooking it...

"Both the immature and mature stage can be used for cooking, but they develop an astringency after cooking."

Here's both sentences....

"Both the immature and mature stage can be used for cooking, but they develop an
astringency after cooking. When fully ripened and soft, the flesh turns fluffy and sweet,
hence the name Ice Cream."

For whatever the reason Hawaii seems to have more of an astringency problem than other regions.

If they develop an astringency after cooking, maybe it was because of the way it was cooked.


The Blue Java is grown and sold in markets in many countries,
so common sense would dictate there's probably a good reason.

Hana Farms (http://www.hanafarmsonline.com/) grows and sells them at their market in Maui. They also use them
in their banana breads, hot sauces and butters. 808-248-7553

trebor
09-15-2013, 09:08 AM
OMG.. Its blue, Its yellow, its fluffy, its fried, its best ripe, its from Hawaii… Someone once told me they were like eating cotton balls soaked in banana butter!
So this morning I am frying me some da-gum Orinco’s !
No disrespect meant to the author of this thread.. Because if it weren’t for his perseverance and professionalism I would be African Rhino Hornless.
Now that we establish I got a attitude today let me put in my 02 about Ice Cream .. They just taste OK to me . No big deal “to me” …
Im being truthful... I would rather have a plantain to eat and grow

Im not a hater.. dont hate me for eating orinco's

bananimal
09-15-2013, 12:10 PM
OMG.. Its blue, Its yellow, its fluffy, its fried, its best ripe, its from Hawaii… Someone once told me they were like eating cotton balls soaked in banana butter!

No disrespect meant to the author of this thread.. Because if it weren’t for his perseverance and professionalism I would be African Rhino Hornless.

Make that African Rhino Hornless and Brown Turkey Figgless! lol

trebor
09-15-2013, 09:19 PM
Make that African Rhino Hornless and Brown Turkey Figgless! lol

OH..Thats rite I'd forgot about my monster fig tree ya sent. I fell over when I was pulling and pulling and pulling it out of the box. I was laughing . I kept saying ."Geeze how did he get all that tree in this box?" And just like you said as soon as it saw the sun it unbent and looked like its always lived in my yard.. my neighbour saw it and went bonkers.. Now I'm a cool dude..ha ha and you know I put the Azomite to it...

Julian
09-15-2013, 10:36 PM
Here's both sentences....
The Blue Java is grown and sold in markets in many countries,
so common sense would dictate there's probably a good reason.

Hana Farms (http://www.hanafarmsonline.com/) grows and sells them at their market in Maui. They also use them
in their banana breads, hot sauces and butters. 808-248-7553

I have family in Hana and I go there. They use Williams and Apple banana in their breads and sauces. Not Ice Cream. They will tell you that Ice Cream does not taste good in banana bread. Common sense not to make things up. They sell some fresh Ice cream banana as a novelty fruit. Trust me, they suck. :lurk:

PR-Giants
09-16-2013, 07:47 AM
Common sense not to make things up.

Read their website, it's seems they tell you one thing and the rest of the world something else.

Julian
09-16-2013, 12:04 PM
Call them and ask. I did.

Rmplmnz
09-17-2013, 08:32 PM
I think they taste fine..super sweet..but hey a nice contrast. My 18 month old toddlers luv them in their cereal.

I like having a thread dedicated to one species!

My personal favorite bananas are:

Fehi (Fei)
Hua Moa
Ele Ele
Saba


But hey everyone has different preferences.

Julian
09-18-2013, 11:54 AM
Very interesting list of favorites. I like saba as well.

caliboy1994
09-23-2013, 11:53 PM
The real deal growing in Santa Clara, CA. Originally obtained from Encanto Farms Nursery. I'm thinking about trying out tissue culturing and putting this one along with a few others into TC.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144435_zps6c8eabfe.jpg

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144444_zpsafadda92.jpg

A nice fat pup. Probably going to take this one home to SoCal.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144453_zpsfb36c683.jpg

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_145306_zps8f6c83be.jpg

This is how it looked in Spring right after planting:

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130419_152926_zps1d9c67c7.jpg

Hopefully I'll get a flower bud next year! Any idea how cold hardy it is? Could it survive a 9B winter with prolonged cold and periodic light frosts? I'd think it's pretty tough because it's in the ABB subgroup.

crazy banana
09-24-2013, 12:42 AM
[QUOTE=caliboy1994;229627]The real deal growing in Santa Clara, CA. Originally obtained from Encanto Farms Nursery. I'm thinking about trying out tissue culturing and putting this one along with a few others into TC.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144435_zps6c8eabfe.jpg

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144444_zpsafadda92.jpg

A nice fat pup. Probably going to take this one home to SoCal.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Musa/20130923_144453_zpsfb36c683.jpg

Caliboy: the Blue Java pups like crazy, so why bother to TC?
They are somewhat cold hardy. Temps went down to 28 F for a couple early morning hours last winter at my house for several days. All the leaves died, but P-stems and corm where just fine. As of today I have two BJ with fruits hanging and a third one with a flag leaf. Planted the mother plant in May 2012, fruiting pups are from July and August 2012. I guess that is not too bad for a beginner. Hope your plants will produce soon.

caliboy1994
09-24-2013, 01:15 AM
Thanks. Looks like it shouldn't be a problem here. It shouldn't get below 27 if we have a normal winter here. If we have a cold one I wouldn't expect lower than 25 or so. I'll keep an eye on the weather forecast November through March.