If you thought that the only type of bananas out there were the ones piled up at your grocery store, think again. There are actually more than 1,000 types of bananas consumed around the world, ranging in size, flavor and color! That’s right, the unmistakable yellow fruit used in your favorite banana bread recipes also comes in shades of red, blue, purple, pink and brown.
Because of the popularity of the yellow banana in the United States, the sight of a red banana might raise some eyebrows, as well as some questions about shelf life. Though not normally a fruit we see often, red bananas are popular in other parts of the world, and actually have a long list of health benefits.
Plus, they taste like raspberries!
What Is a Red Banana?
This elusive fruit is only a variant of the yellow bananas sitting in your kitchen right now. Outside of the difference in peel color, slightly sweeter taste and smaller size, red bananas really are not that different from the yellow ones we see everywhere.
Most people grab a banana when they want a snack that’s high in potassium, but the red variant also provides many other essential nutrients. It’s still potassium-rich, but also high in vitamins C and B6. And if you’re wondering where the reddish tones come from, red bananas contain carotenoids—pigments that give plants their color, which are also great for eye health.
Learn more about banana benefits for healthy hair and skin.
Where to Buy Red Bananas
You probably won’t be able to buy a bunch of red bananas from your local grocer—the fruit subgroup originated and is mostly grown in Southeast Asia. Thankfully, Etsy is able to give us some options. You can grab a whole box of red bananas on Etsy! Then, eat the fruit raw or cook bananas like you normally would. You can also buy a red banana tree, but note that this beautiful plant only produces ornamental fruit, nothing you can eat.
Healthy Recipes to Make with Ripe Red Bananas
Banana Oatmeal PancakesThese pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey
Peanut Butter Banana OatmealThe classic flavors of peanut butter and bananas come together in this yummy oatmeal. It’s a healthy recipe that fits in my diet and satisfies my husband’s taste buds at the same time. We enjoy it often. —Debbie Perdue, Westland, Michigan
Chunky Banana Cream FreezeEveryone loves ice cream, but we all know it doesn't make a great after-school snack. Until this! With its sweet banana-almond flavor and chunky texture, this appealing banana peanut butter "ice cream" is a crowd-pleaser. People who ask me for the recipe can't believe how easy it is to make. —Kristen Bloom, Okinawa, Japan
Banana French Toast BakeHamburger buns and bananas come together beautifully in this whimsical make-ahead dish that the whole family will love. It's the ultimate breakfast for dinner. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Banana SouffleThis pretty, golden-topped puff is so easy to whip up, but looks like you really fussed. Lightly laced with rum, the moist, tender, banana-rich souffle makes that perfect “little something” to wrap up any holiday dinner. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Banana Chip CakeThis is my version of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream (my favorite!) in a cake. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool. —Barbara Pryor, Milford, Massachusetts
Moist Banana Nut BreadI made up this recipe when I was vegetarian and didn’t eat eggs. It’s packed with fiber, omega-3s and soy protein, but tastes delicious! Silken tofu is a wonderful egg substitute. It's one of the best
ways to make banana bread. —Brittany Carrington, Tehachapi, California
Wondering if you have enough bananas to bake with? Read more about
how many bananas are in a cup.
Cinnamon-Spiced BananasThe whole family will love this special treat that uses the microwave so it’s ready in a flash. Plus, it’s a delicious way to jazz up bananas and add more fruit to your diet. Janet Hommes — Surprise, Arizona
Ultimate Fruity GranolaHoney, maple syrup and vanilla coat this wonderfully crunchy treat that is fantastic no matter how you serve it—on its own, with cold milk, or in a yogurt parfait. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Tropical CrispOne bite of this sweet, juicy, crunchy crisp, and you just might hear the crash of the ocean and feel warm sand under your toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strawberry Banana BlastThis thick and creamy smoothie was created for the strawberry lover, but the banana flavor comes through nicely. It's refreshing without being too sweet and makes a fruity mid-morning snack. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Gluten-Free Banana PancakesWhen one of my sons and I had to change to a gluten-free diet, I searched for recipes that tasted great. These pancakes are low-cal, as well. I cook extras and freeze them. Then, when I’m short on time, I toss a couple in the toaster. You’ll love the fluffy texture and the chocolate. —Sharen Gustafson, South Lyon, Michigan
Raspberry-Banana Soft ServeWhen I make this ice cream, I mix and match bananas for their ripeness. Very ripe ones add more banana flavor. Less ripe ones have a fluffier texture. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brunch Banana SplitsMy whole family loves bananas, fruit and granola for breakfast. I topped all that with yogurt, nuts and honey and called it a split. This is perfect to serve on a busy morning or a special one! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Banana Blueberry PancakesThis blueberry pancakes recipe is a favorite in our home. My kids don’t even realize how healthy it is! —Kelly Reinicke, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
