On the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii there was a Breadfruit Goes Banana Festival early today (9/29). It was most bananaest thing I've ever done. Dozens of varieties of banana plants for sale, and many to buy and taste which are pictured here. Many varieties I have never seen for sale on this island, both fruit and plants. I scored one labeled as a "likely" High Noon (SH3610), a real Ele Ele (as opposed to the maybe mislabeled one I already have), and some type of Fe'i banana. I was shocked to see the Fei available, and by the end of the day, I think the one I bought was the only one sold. Average person here would have no idea what a Fe'i is, just as I wouldn't have a year or so ago.
Also had the pleasure of meeting Gabe15, attending a talk and cooking demo by Dr. Angela Kay Kepler, and met her and her husband co-author of the Hawaiian Banana book, Francis Rust.
In the 5 years I've been on this island, I'm not aware of anything comparable to this, and it's quite rare to get to sample so many types of bananas. I purchased to eat, some Mysore, Maia Lele, 2 Maia Maoli types, Hua Moa, High Noon, Monkey Fingers, and Namwah. First taste of High Noon, which I was very excited about. Can't wait to try the Monkey Fingers since I have a plant but have never tasted the fruit. All in all a great day and worth 6 hours of driving. Thought some might enjoy the pictures.
Dr. Keplers talk, less blurry in real life. Perhaps I couldn't contain my excitement enough to hold my phone steady.
Her cooking demo, she prepared 4 dishes using a few types of Hawaiian Bananas, Iholenas, A'ea'e, & Hua Moa.
The rest see the sign in the picture, where it's semi-readable.
