Tree Appearance: The Manzano banana plant, like other banana trees, has a stout pseudostem (a cluster of tightly packed leaf bases) and large, elongated leaves. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) or more, creating a lush and tropical canopy.

 

Fruit Shape and Appearance: The Manzano banana is characterized by its small to medium-sized fruit, which has a distinctive appearance. It is shorter and plumper than the common Cavendish banana and often resembles a chubby, miniature banana. The skin is thick and turns from green to bright yellow when ripe. It may have dark spots on the skin when fully mature.

 

Fruit Taste: Manzano bananas are renowned for their exceptionally sweet and rich flavor. They have a delightful tropical taste with notes of apple, strawberry, and pineapple. The flesh is cream-colored and has a smooth, creamy texture, making it distinct from other banana varieties.

 

Uses: Manzano bananas are usually eaten fresh as a snack or added to fruit salads. They are a popular choice for making smoothies, blending into milkshakes, or using in dessert recipes due to their unique and sweet taste.

 

Growth Habit: The Manzano banana tree exhibits a typical banana growth habit with large, arching leaves and a central pseudostem. Each plant can produce multiple clusters or “hands” of fruit that hang from the pseudostem.

 

Manzano bananas are highly sought after for their extraordinary sweetness and tropical flavor, making them a favorite banana variety in many regions. Their sweet and creamy texture, combined with their unique taste, distinguishes them from other banana varieties.