Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

Like, is Cavendish nutritionally different from Lady Fingers and is that different from Blue Java Banana? If yes does anyone know where to find information comparing the contents of different breeds? Still forming banana plans up here in zone 6 you see.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

Good question ... I haven't seen any studies indicating such. I suspect there is only a marginal variation between varieties and this is more likely due to the type of soil and naturally available nutrition to the plant. Thus, the need soil & leaf analysis for economical application of fertilizers.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

I read somewere that bananas with more "orange" meat are more rich than the white or clear meat bananas. The red bananas are very rich too and considered as a superfruit.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

The quick answer is yes. They vary in their vitamin contents. I have been supplying a researcher for a few years. If you search for Dr. Floyd Woods and bananas you should find some information.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

I did this and found an article on the growth of different banana breeds but it did not include any nutritional info. Mayhaps you might have a link? Or the name of the paper for me to google scholar?

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

I may have misunderstood your question. My answer above was based on the nutritional needs of the growing plant. While you may have been asking about the nutritional benefits of the fruit.

The USDA SR28 nutritional data gives the nutritional content of the Banana
https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2159 ... but this would be the Cavendish type bananas commonly available & sold in the US. Google USDA SR28 nutrition for the complete list of near 9000 foods items.

I believe the nutritional value of other types/varieties of bananas have been reported and available thought the different Banana research groups and USDA Ag files. I haven't found a ready access to those.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

No, you had it right. What is in the soil generally has a lot to do with what is in the plant, and it can affect the same variety from one location to the other, IN ADDITION to variances in the individual varieties. Run a Geiger counter over different bananas, and I'm sure you'll notice a difference in the amount of potassium in different varieties, as well as locations. Some bananas are a lot more radioactive than others.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

Ah yes, I should have clarified. I'm interested in the difference in nutritional value of different bananas as in their fruit, when consumed by humans. : P

When you say you haven't found "ready" access to those, do you mean they exist but in particular scientific journals? Or you haven't been able to find them at all?

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

The nutritional content of a banana fruit grown year-round outdoors in tropical climate will vary significantly from one grown primarily indoors in zone 6 -- unless of course you were to invest an enormous sum in a tropical simulation greenhouse.

Re: Does nutrition vary between banana types?
 

I'm saying this info is essential to research of the different banana varieties. Not only does it gives the nutritional values for consumer consumption; the desirability & merchantability of the variety type; it also gives the producer/grower info for nutrient/mineral replacement (fertilizer) needed for production & cost. ...SO, I believe, (not completely sure), the info is available from the different research programs/groups. I have not found and do not know of a "Report" summarizing the data by banana variety.

The nutritional info given in the USDA SR28 data is for products commonly available to the consumer and sponsored by the BIG producer/manufacturers: bananas - Dole, Chiquita, & Del Monte: (aka - cavendish types ???)