The Laba banana, also known as the Tien Vua or Da Huong banana, thrives in the red basalt soil of the Lam Dong highlands or the outskirts of Dalat. Laba bananas are popular not just for their delicious taste but also for their health benefits.
However, there is a type of ripe banana that looks very similar to the Laba banana, which often confuses buyers. Join us in exploring more about this Laba banana and how to differentiate it from ripe bananas!
1 What is a Laba Banana?
Laba bananas, also known as Tien Vua or Da Huong bananas
The Laba banana is a type of banana from the same family as the ripe banana, also known as (Musaceae). Its international name is Cavendish, and because they are from the same family, the two types of bananas look very similar.
When France invaded Phu Son, Lam Dong, they named the area Laba. In 1930, after studying the soil and climate, the French began cultivating a new banana variety here, and thus the Laba banana was born.
The Laba banana is also called the Tien Vua banana. It got this name because it was once offered to King Bao Dai, the nobility, the ancient court, and French officials.
In the Phu Son region of Lam Dong, the Laba banana is also called the Da Huong banana because of its strong fragrance when ripe.
The Laba banana is considered a specialty of the Dalat – Lam Dong region. When grown here, Laba bananas produce large, sweet, and high-quality fruits.
Laba bananas thrive in red basalt soil and cool climates
Laba bananas grow best in red basalt or alluvial soil, in areas with relatively cool temperatures year-round. Laba bananas are currently grown extensively in Duc Trong, Don Duong, Lac Duong, and the outskirts of Dalat city.
Not only are Laba bananas popular in Vietnam, but they are also a key export product from Lam Dong to European and American countries, among others.
2 Characteristics of Laba Bananas
Laba bananas have unique characteristics that set them apart from other types of bananas
Characteristics and Flavor of Laba Bananas
Laba bananas have a long, slender shape similar to ripe bananas. However, Laba bananas have larger bunches, and the fruits have shorter stems that are closer together.
When unripe, the banana peel is a deep green and gradually turns to a golden yellow when ripe. Laba bananas have a thick peel, a distinctive fragrance, a sticky-soft flesh, and a sweet taste (with a Brix level of 24-26).
Bananas are a good source of nutrients such as , , and, among others. Therefore, Laba bananas are ideal for those on a diet or trying to lose weight while still ensuring their body gets the nutrients it needs.
Growth Conditions
Also known as the Dalat banana, this variety is well-suited to cool climates and fertile soil. Laba bananas have a slower growth rate than other types of bananas, taking 12-15 months to harvest.
According to a study from Japan, the longer the growth period, the sweeter the Laba bananas become, and the higher their vitamin and nutrient content. In addition, they found that the vitamin C content in these bananas is three times higher than in other bananas and that they can increase white blood cell immunity by five times.
3 Price of Laba Bananas and Where to Buy Them
Laba bananas are currently sold at a price range of 15,000 – 17,000 VND/kg
According to market research, Laba bananas are currently sold at a price range of 15,000 – 17,000 VND. In organic food stores, the price is higher, ranging from 38,000 VND/kg.
Laba bananas are now widely distributed in many supermarkets, markets, and other places across the country year-round. Alternatively, you can also order Laba bananas online from e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
4 How to Differentiate Laba Bananas from Ripe Bananas
Many people have mistakenly bought ripe bananas instead of Laba bananas. Let’s find out the differences between these two types of bananas.
Differentiating Laba bananas from ripe bananas
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Characteristic
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Laba Banana
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Ripe Banana
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|---|---|---|
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Variety
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Growth and harvest period of 13-17 months. Laba bananas typically grow well in cool climates and fertile soil, such as in highland areas.
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Growth and harvest period of 8-10 months. Ripe bananas can be grown anywhere.
|
|
Shape
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The banana tips are round and short, with stems close together. The peel is thicker, and the fruit is larger.
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The banana tips are long and slender, with longer stems. The peel is thinner, and the fruit is smaller.
|
|
Flavor, Color
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The flesh is a golden yellow, sticky and soft, with a sweet taste.
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The flesh is white, mushy, not sticky, and slightly sour.
|
5 How to Store Bananas for a Longer Shelf Life
When buying bananas, it is best to choose a bunch with both ripe and unripe fruits. This way, you can eat them gradually and avoid the situation where all the bananas in a bunch ripen at once, leading to waste. It also prevents sellers from using chemicals to artificially ripen the bananas, affecting their taste.
The simplest way to store bananas is to use (or you can use newspaper wrapped in a plastic bag) to wrap the banana stems or the entire fruit to avoid air exposure. Alternatively, if you have a vacuum sealer, simply place the bananas in a plastic bag, vacuum seal it, and store it in the refrigerator.
Reference: 6 delicious, fragrant, and healthy banana recipes that you can easily make at home
Use plastic wrap to cover the banana stems or the entire fruit
The above information provides a detailed explanation of what Laba bananas are and how to differentiate them from ripe bananas. Hopefully, this article has helped you gain more knowledge about this type of banana.
The Ultimate Banana Battle: Which Will You Choose?
“Bananas are nature’s versatile fruit, offering a plethora of benefits for all ages. With their gentle, sweet flavor and convenient peel-and-eat nature, bananas are an easy favorite. But the real question lies in the variety – should you go for the ubiquitous Cavendish, or the more exotic Plantain? Unpeel the mystery and discover which banana variety deserves the top spot in your fruit bowl!”
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