Baby Banana
Baby bananas, also known as mini bananas or finger bananas, are a small, sweet variety of banana belonging to the Musa genus of the Musaceae family. Known for their petite size, thin yellow skin, creamy texture, and naturally sweet flavor with subtle honey-like notes, baby bananas are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Typically harvested while green and allowed to ripen until their skin turns bright yellow, each banana generally measures approximately 7–12 cm in length and 2–3 cm in diameter, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Their convenient size, rich sweetness, and smooth texture make them ideal for fresh snacking, smoothies, fruit salads, desserts, baking, and a variety of culinary applications.
Health Benefits
Good source of dietary fiber — Supports healthy digestion, promotes fullness, and contributes to overall digestive wellness.
Provides natural energy — Contains naturally occurring carbohydrates and sugars that provide the body with a convenient source of energy.
Provides essential vitamins & minerals — Including potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium, which support muscle function, normal metabolism, immune health, and overall wellness.
Parameter
Temp. 0–2°C (32–36°F)
Shelf Life 7-14 days
Pallet 300-320 Boxes
Relative Humidity 95-100%
Temp. 0–2°C (32–36°F) Shelf Life 7-14 days Pallet 300-320 Boxes Relative Humidity 95-100%
Banana Pancakes
-
4 ripe baby bananas, mashed (approximately ¾ cup)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional for Extra Flavor
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon honey for additional sweetness
¼ cup fresh blueberries
Optional for Serving
Maple syrup
Fresh baby banana slices
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries or blueberries
Powdered sugar
Peanut butter or almond butter
Chef's Tip: Use fully ripe baby bananas with yellow skins and small brown spots for the sweetest flavor and softest texture. Mash the bananas thoroughly before adding them to the batter, and avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15–20 minutes Servings: 4 (approximately 10–12 pancakes) Difficulty: Easy
1. Prepare the Baby Bananas: Peel the ripe baby bananas and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash them until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for additional texture and natural sweetness.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed baby bananas, egg, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Prepare the Pancake Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
5. Allow the Batter to Rest: Let the pancake batter rest for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and helps create a softer, fluffier texture.
6. Heat the Skillet: Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or vegetable oil, ensuring an even coating.
7. Cook the Pancakes: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the heated skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until small bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to set.
8. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each pancake using a spatula and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
9. Keep the Pancakes Warm: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a serving plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while preparing the remaining batter.
10. Garnish and Serve: Stack the pancakes on a serving plate and top with fresh baby banana slices, maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite fresh berries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or chopped nuts for additional flavor and presentation.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pancakes warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a cup of coffee for a satisfying meal.
Chef's Tip: For extra-fluffy pancakes, avoid pressing down on them while cooking and flip each pancake only once. Baby bananas contain natural sugars that caramelize quickly, so cooking over medium-low heat helps achieve a golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
-
CULTURE
Meet the Sacramento Banana Festival, a two-day festival celebrated in order to promote their community and where you can find many stands of local products, competitions, cultural and gastronomic activities and of course all of that with bananas as protagonists. It is held every year in August since 2009.
ORIGIN
This fruit comes from Colombia.