Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

It's specific to Hawaii but they are chalky and astringent unless super ripe. Over the years occasionally I've bought really awful apple bananas and they must have been these rather than dwarf Brazilian aka Hawaiian Apple. They are also more disease prone. I'll wait til mine fruit and then decide. Outside of Hawaii I don't know that their recommendation applies.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I know exactly what you're talking about, some were astringent and chalky, because they were not ripe, even though they looked like they were. I waited for another week, and the rest of the bunch was great. When I went to HI last year, I had many bananas that were sold as "Apple" banana, what is the cultivar of those?

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

Apple bananas in Hawaii are either 'Brazilian' or 'Dwarf Brazilian'. Lately I have seen 'Namwah' being sold as Apple banana too, of course in error or in deceitful marketing. Rarely, 'Manzano' are sold (known as Apple bananas commonly elsewhere), but they are normally referred to as Ladyfingers. In Hawaii though, most non-banana experts think any banana which is smaller than or different from a Cavendish is an "Apple banana".

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I've lived in Hawaii totaling 6 years now. For the life of me, I still don't know why they are called Apple Bananas. They obviously don't look like Applies and they don't taste like Apples. Any clue why they are called Apple Bananas instead of Brazilians?

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I think they're called Apple bananas because they have a slight apple-like taste to them, or at least most people describe them that way. That was certainly my impression too the first time I had one, although I don't really think of them as apple tasting anymore.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I'm sure you are right, but man, I don't get any apple from the Brazilians. Pineapple maybe, but not apple. On the other hand, Manzano and Namwah, I definitely get an apple flavor, or probably odor, more accurately.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

My Tongan neighbor just planted some Hopa. How close was it in taste with Huamoa?

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I can't remember exactly and haven't tasted them side by side. But I think they're pretty much the same and from the same major Popoulu family. But given a choice, I know I'd rather grow a Hawaiian variety.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I noticed that I never commented on this book after I bought it and read it. That was a serious oversight because the book is awesome!

If you've spent more than the price of the book on banana plants, then you should buy the book. It is a bargain at $80. The amount of information in it is incredible, as are the wonderful photos. It is Hawaii-centric (as advertised), but about half the book is not specifically about Hawaiian varieties. It has tips on how to grown bananas, manage disease, cook bananas, etc. And if you want to learn how to tell different varieties apart, it is a great reference.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

Yups. Send me some.:08:

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

Well I've yet to get fruit off mine. I don't know about Oahu, but you kind find them occasionally here in health food stores and farmers markets.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

No, it's AAA in the book.

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

Here's a preview of the book The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now :waving:

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

I like the Recipe section.. :^)

Re: Book: The World of Bananas in Hawaii: Then and Now
 

Dude! They are called 'Apple' bananas because in size/shape they resemble the Manzano bananas. Do you know the derivation of Manzano? Hint: the Spanish word for Apple is mansanas. The Manzano somehow acquired the name meaning Apple. Maybe for flavor? With all the Filipino folk in Hawaii to do the hard work, they would know the link between the Spanish word for apple and Manzano. They probably called the Manzano an Apple for a long time, and then saw a similar appearing banana fruit and just gave it the name they associated with another similar type of banana fruit.

To me it appears obvioius, but then I have some familiarity with the language. If anyone has a better explanation, I'd love to hear it.