Are Wild Bananas Edible?
Have you ever observed wild bananas? It’s not like the typical grocery store banana. They are available in various shapes, sizes and shades, and they grow in different parts of the world.
There’s a good chance of finding natural bananas within tropical regions So if you’re going to an area that is tropical, you could easily spot them.
However, can you eat wild bananas? Are they so unique that they shouldn’t be eaten? Today, we’re going to find out exactly what, so continue reading.
Are wild bananas edible?
Yes there are wild bananas that can be eaten. A mature wild banana can be sweet and tasty in flavor. It could also possess a distinct fruity and fresh flavor that isn’t present in the regular banana.
It all depends on the type of wild bananas you come across. The bananas we are familiar with today are actually a blend of two different species of bananas that are Musa acuminata, and Musa balbisiana.
The balbisiana contains an amazing quantity of stone-like seeds that aren’t edible, and eating might be difficult.
The acuminata can be handled however it will certainly cause issues due to the texture.
Wild bananas are often robust, or extremely seedy, and only the flesh that surrounds the seeds can be eaten.
In short, wild bananas can be eaten, but eating them might not be an ideal choice in the absence of knowing exactly what sort of fruit it comes from.
Wild bananas are full of seeds
A lot of us do not eat raw foods from the wild and eating wild bananas may be somewhat challenging. One of the biggest issues people may face when eating bananas from the wild is the large amount of pea-sized, stone-like hard seeds inside them.
Wild bananas might taste delicious but eating them isn’t the same smooth experience like with regular bananas. There are many seeds in them, and they’re soft and chewy.
It is also impossible to eat them alongside the bananas. Although bananas’ pulp is sweet and soft the seeds are opposite, they are dull and hard.
So, can wild bananas really edible? The answer will depend on your own perceptions and largely on how you interpret the seeds present in wild bananas.
If the seeds are a complete turnoff and put the off button, bananas from the wild aren’t for you. If you are able to manage the seeds and accept the presence of seeds wild bananas are just equally delicious as other fruit with seeds, such as apples and pears and so on.
Like the name implies they are wild bananas that have not been planted or nurtured. They’ve grown in wild in their own way. If they’re carrying too many seeds, there is no reason to blame anyone for this.
So, how do you eat wild bananas?
Wild bananas are available in markets that are local to forests and hills across the globe. These bananas don’t look like regular bananas. Instead, they could have unusual shapes and not have the beautiful yellow skin that we’re used to seeing on bananas.
Because they are completely naturally occurring, they possess distinct flavor and taste. You can discover ways to get rid of the seeds and incorporate the pulp for shakes and smoothies. It’s a hugely tasty drink.
It’s recommended to ask the locals how they consume the local wild bananas, as they’ll know the best way to eat them.
They have different looks and shape
In addition to the flavor, there aren’t any outstanding features found in this wild fruit. They might not appear exactly like the bananas that we encounter in our daily lives.
They can have a unique form and shape based on the weather and conditions that they are growing in. For instance, it could appear stout, pointed at each end, with a protruding into the middle.
The skin might not peel off as cleanly and easily. The skin could be tightly linked to the fruit via interlinking fibrous. If you remove your wild bananas, you will find that a substantial portion of the fruit could remain in the skin.
Therefore, the sensation of eating a wild banana could be quite different from eating a normal banana. You can, however, enjoy eating wild bananas. They’re not poisonous neither do their seeds.
They’re perfectly edible so you aren’t averse to the numerous seeds that you will likely be exposed to while eating the wild bananas.
The modern banana came about as an attempt to create that perfect fruit. With seeds that are soft (or none at all) with a moderately firm yet soft texture and a great taste.
Wild bananas are available in many varieties and you won’t be able to tell which one you’ll receive.
Wild bananas can also be seedless
Wild bananas may also be seedless. Wild bananas of this kind can be found in the forest that is found in Costa Rica. These bananas are extremely slim and thin.
They are more similar to trees and are found everywhere. The fruits they produce are referred to as “baby bananas” and are delicious and sweet. You can slice and then bring your hand home filled with the ripening bananas. Let it ripen free of birds and insects.
The forest is filled with these banana trees, and you’ll be able to find plenty of options. A hand will typically have 60 yellow fingers that are 3-4 inches long. They can be eaten as they mature. There aren’t seeds inside these fruits.
However, they are extremely soft and they tend to become extremely mushy.
Are wild bananas edible?
Domestication of bananas
They were domesticated to ensure regular cultivation by two of the most well-known wild species Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata. The latter being the more popular choice for farmers.
It took a while for the ideal banana-banana combination to be discovered however, once it did numerous offshoots were created. The most well-known fruit for dessert is known as the Cavendish kind.
It’s the longest, largest banana you can find and is probably the one you’re using at your home.
Bananas are in season all the time all year round, which means they’re always fresh as they don’t come in a particular season. They’re picked early and get ripe during transport, which means they’re the ideal fruit.
FAQs
Why do wild bananas have seeds and not commercial ones?
You may be thinking why wild bananas contain bigger and more seeds than commercially grown ones.
The reason behind the differences is due to the breeding method. In nature, seeds are required for the reproduction of plants. Therefore, seeds tend to be bigger and more powerful.
The commercially-grown ones are genetically bred and are not grown from seeds. They’re cultivated from pups. The mature banana plant produces what’s known as Rhizomes. These then grow into small plants that are sometimes referred to as pups. The pups are taken away and planted in different areas, from which the banana plant grows.
The changes made cultivators realize that seeds aren’t needed for the growth of bananas. Additionally, bananas grown without seeds are more supple sweeter, juicier, and are more likely to be sold. The seedless varieties also possess a greater shelf life than those with seeds. Therefore, farmers chose ones that do not contain seeds.
If you happen to find wild bananas with seeds, you might wonder whether it is safe to eat without risk. The answer is yes. It is possible to eat wild bananas that have seeds because they’re not poisonous. It is possible to eat both unripe and ripe varieties.
But they’re not consumed as an unripe banana. The people of Indonesia as well as Southeast Asia slice the banana thinly and take out seeds instead. Then they put the pieces in salads and eat them.
Thus, the seed is eliminated in any way. However, you are able to eat the seeds.
Expect a sour and bitter flavor with very little or any sweetness. However, some varieties, based on the season and the location may taste delicious.
A specific variety, referred to by the name of “Baby banana,” is essential if you wish to eat seeds of bananas. These are indigenous in Costa Rica and grow in the wilderness. If you see the plants, you can eat the seeds and enjoy the delicious flesh.
In general, it is not recommended to eat wild bananas. They may be exposed to viruses pesticides or bacteria. A condition known as “Panama Disease” is common in wild bananas. They can trigger negative reactions within your body and lead to complications.
Where Can You Buy Seeded Bananas?
There are bananas with seeds at certain retail stores. Be prepared to conduct some investigation. There are a few stores that have seeds of bananas. In accordance with the season and any special offers the store may be able to keep seeds of bananas. It is possible to search on the internet for seeds of bananas.
Stores that stock a supply of these fruits advertise the bananas on the internet. The last option is to look online to determine availability. If not, it could be that the seeded bananas you want aren’t available in your area.
There is a possibility of growing wild b
Can You Grow Seeded Bananas?
ananas in your backyard that would yield seeds-filled bananas. To do this, you’ll need to collect seeds, which would then sprout to produce banana plants. Begin by locating the seeds. Some nurseries have seeds. Therefore, you should visit a few nurseries and verify if they’re carrying seeds.
Once the seeds begin to germinate, they’ll take about a couple of months before bearing fruit. The resulting banana will have seeds. Depending on the species of banana the size could vary from small to medium or even large. For the biggest size seeds, you have to speak with the nursery person in the right way. Keep in mind that the banana you seed will differ from the bananas that you buy at home. Therefore, be prepared for the switch.
Wrapping up
Are wild bananas edible? Yes, they can be. Actually, it’s quite an intriguing idea that according to different studies, wild bananas are better than ordinary bananas.
The only drawback is the seeds, which may require some effort to completely eliminate from the wild bananas. However, the effort is indeed worthwhile.
