Bananas in Brazil: Varieties, Recipes, Why They’re So Good & More

Have you tried the bananas in Brazil? Something that surprised me when I first visited Brazil was how much better the bananas are than the ones at home!

After spending several months traveling in Brazil, I’ve put together everything you need to know about this simple but delicious fruit. So read on to learn about the different varieties of bananas in Brazil, why they’re so good and the different recipes you can find them in.

About Bananas in Brazil

Although there are tons of delicious tropical fruits available in South America, bananas are surprisingly the most commonly eaten fruit in Brazil.

However, they aren’t actually native to the country. They were originally brought over by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th century, who established the first banana crops in Brazil.

Since then, bananas have been successfully grown throughout Brazil, as the crops flourish in the tropical environment. In fact, Brazil is now the world’s second largest banana producer, growing 10% of the world’s bananas. And most of these bananas are actually eaten in Brazil!

Although in addition to eating tons of bananas in Brazil, they also export a lot to several countries including Argentina, Uruguay and the United Kingdom.

Why are Brazilian Bananas So Good?

One of the best things about traveling is tasting all the delicious foods abroad. And sometimes the simplest foods are the most enjoyable. In particular, I found this to be the case with the bananas in Brazil.

Of course I indulged in a wide variety of delicious fruits and local cuisine while in Brazil. But the one food I enjoyed the most were the bananas! I would eat them every day as snacks, in desserts and for breakfast in Brazil. But why were they so good?

There are two key reasons. Firstly, bananas are grown in Brazil, and locally grown is also freshest and best.

Secondly, there are actually way more varieties of bananas available in Brazil than in the West. So there are different varieties to suit different tastes.

Plus, bananas are the most eaten fruit in Brazil and feature a lot in Brazilian cuisine. So it’s a great place to try them in different forms, in a variety of dishes.

Different Varieties of Bananas in Brazil

In the West we typically only ever find one variety of bananas in the supermarkets: the yellow Cavendish banana.

There is nothing wrong with Cavendish bananas. They’re nutritious, versatile and a staple in most households, and I still enjoy eating them. But after tasting the different banana varieties in Brazil, I must admit that Cavendish are now my least favourite banana.

So what are the different varieties of bananas in Brazil?

Prata Banana

Prata bananas (also known as ‘silver bananas’) are the most common bananas in Brazil. And they are my favourite bananas!

Like most bananas, Prata have a green peel which turns yellow when ripe to eat. Although they are a similar size to Cavendish bananas (they reach around 10 inches / 18 centimetres in length), they are typically a little fatter.

But the biggest difference is that they are slightly less sweet than most other bananas. They have a mildly sweet and acidic taste, and a stronger banana flavour, which is what I love most about them.

Plus, they are really nutritious, with three times more vitamin C and twice as much calcium than Cavendish bananas!

Apple Banana

Apple bananas are slightly smaller and chubbier than Prata bananas (up to 6 inches / 15 centimetres in length), but otherwise look similar.

Although they are dark yellow in colour, they are actually best to eat when they look overripe and start turning black!

Contrary to their name, apple bananas don’t actually taste like apples. Instead, they have a delicious sweet and mildly tangy flavour, combined with a creamy dense texture. This makes them an ideal dessert banana.

In terms of nutrition, apple bananas are actually less calorie dense than many other bananas and have more protein, Vitamin C and fibre.

Dwarf Banana

Dwarf Bananas are a smaller banana, about half the size of regular Cavendish bananas. However, this is not why they get their name!

Their name actually refers to the small tree that produces these bananas, which is usually only between 2-3 metres tall.

Dwarf bananas are often considered to be one of the tastiest banana varieties. They have a slightly firm but smooth texture, and have a very balanced sweet and aromatic flavour.

Out of all the different banana varieties, they are also the richest in potassium!

Gold Banana

Gold bananas are the smallest of all commercially available banana varieties, only growing up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) long.

They are very sweet bananas and, as such, have a very high carbohydrate content. They are also more calorie dense than most other bananas, at about 110 calories per 100 grams.

Due to their sweet flavour they’re a popular dessert banana in Brazil. In particular, they’re great to use for ‘banana frita’ (fried bananas), which are served with sugar and cinnamon.

Plantain

Plantain, known as Banana-da-terra (banana of the earth) is often thought of as a vegetable, but it’s actually a banana!

Although they look similar to regular bananas, Plantains are quite a bit bigger, reaching up to 12 inches (30 centimetres) long. Unlike their smaller counterparts, Plantain is only eaten cooked and is usually found in savoury meals.

They’re firmer, starchier and have a lot less sugar than regular bananas. Although, when they ripen, they do develop a subtle sweetness.

Plantains can be cooked when they’re still green for a more starchy texture and savoury flavour. Or when they turn yellow and start developing black spots for a sweeter and softer taste and texture.

Out of the whole banana family, plantains have the most calories and carbs, with almost double that of Cavendish bananas!

Best Brazilian Banana Recipes

Bananas are quite a common feature in Brazilian cooking. In fact, there are several popular dishes you’re likely to come across when traveling in Brazil. And most of them are relatively simple, which means you can also easily recreate them at home!

So here are some of the most common dishes which feature bananas in Brazil.

Bolo de Banana

This is a traditional Brazilian cake. It’s actually an upside down cake made with ripe bananas. It’s moist, fluffy, and filled with sweet caramelized bananas. It can also be topped with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour.

Want to make this at home? Try this recipe: Bolo do Banana

Banana Frita

These are fried bananas or plantains, often served as a dessert. They are sweet and slightly crispy on the outside, and often coated with cinnamon sugar. They are especially delicious when served with ice cream!

There is also a savoury version of Banana Frita. They’re usually made with plantains and served as a side dish.

Want to make this at home? Try this recipe: Fried Sweet Bananas

Cartola

Cartola is a popular Brazilian dessert made from bananas and cheese. It’s served hot and gooey and sprinkled with cinnamon to finish. It may sound like an odd combination, but it actually works quite well.

However, I do find this to be quite heavy to eat after dinner, so it isn’t my favourite banana dish in Brazil. But I do think it’s worth trying at least once!

Want to make this at home? Try this recipe: Banana with Cheese Dessert

Doce de Banana

Doce de banana is a Brazilian banana jam or compote. Ripe bananas are cooked with sugar until they form a thick, sweet paste. It’s commonly used as a topping for bread or cakes, or eaten as a dessert.

Want to make this at home? Try this recipe: Easy Banana Compote

Banana Caipirinha

Finally, on the list is Brazil’s signature cocktail, the caipirinha. Although the most common flavour Caipirinhas are lime, passion fruit, strawberry and pineapple, a banana caipirinha is equally as delicious.

The base of this cocktail is cachaça (a type of Brazilian rum), mixed with sugar, ice and your fruit of choice. Although be warned, this sweet and refreshing drink can be dangerous as they’re very strong and it’s so easy to drink a lot of them!

Want to make this at home? Try this recipe: Banana Caipirinha

Other Fruits to Try in Brazil

While bananas might be the most consumed fruit in Brazil, there are also plenty of other delicious and popular fruits to try!

Papaya

Papaya is one of the most beloved fruits in brazil, and tends to be eaten everyday. Fresh slices of Papaya will usually feature on the Brazilian breakfast table, but are also added to breakfast bowls or blended into smoothies.

I never used to be a big papaya fan, but after tasting Brazilian papayas I can see why they’re so popular. They’re sweet, soft and juicy, and full of flavour. I really loved starting my day off with them in Brazil!

Maracuja

Maracuja (or passion fruit) is one of Brazil’s most popular fruits. Its distinctive tropical-tart flavour and vibrant orange colour make it a favourite ingredient in juices, desserts, and cocktails. However, as they’re very sour, they’re usually mixed with quite a lot of sugar.

So, although they’re delicious and refreshing, with all the added sugar, Maracujas aren’t quite as healthy to eat as the other fruits in Brazil.

Acai berries

Acai berries are native to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. And they’re the key ingredient in acai bowls. These antioxidant-rich smoothie bowls have gained global popularity in recent years due to their delicious flavour and exceptional health benefits.

Acai bowls are usually made by blending together frozen acai berries, banana and other berries. The bowls are then topped with toppings like fresh fruit, granola, seeds or nuts.

Alternatively, Acai smoothie can also be eaten like a soft-serve ice-cream, which you will come across a lot in Brazil. No matter how you choose to eat it, it’s absolutely delicious, healthy and refreshing on a hot day!

Guava

Guavas are a sweet and fragrant fruit that thrive in Brazil’s warm climate. They can be eaten fresh, but are often turned into jams, juices and desserts. In particular, guava cheese (known as Goiabada) is a conserve made from guavas which is often eaten for dessert, or as a spread.

Coconut

When you think of tropical fruits, the first ones that come to mind are probably coconuts. Although not native to Brazil, coconuts have been growing there since the 16th century. And these days you will find them everywhere.

In particular, sipping the water of a chilled coconut on the beach is now synonymous with Brazilian culture. They’re so popular because they’re sweet, refreshing and cheap!

You can buy fresh coconuts from almost all street and beach vendors and bars in Brazil. And in true tropical fashion, you drink the refreshing coconut water through a straw, directly from the fruit.

Guarana

Native to the Amazon rainforest, Guarana is a fruit which has a slightly sweet and tangy flavour.

Guarana is particularly famous for its seeds, which are high in caffeine and are often used in energy drinks. In particular, you will probably see green cans of Guarana Antartica (a popular Brazilian soft drink) everywhere in Brazil. It’s really delicious!

Soursop

Soursop (or ‘Graviola’) is a tropical fruit native to Brazil and other parts of South America. It’s famous for its unique flavour, which tastes like a mix of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus. It’s commonly eaten in smoothies and juices, but the flesh can also be eaten raw.

Banana FAQs

What is the most common banana in the world?

The most common banana variety in the world is the yellow Cavendish banana. This is the variety you’re probably used to eating (particularly in the West). It accounts for the majority of global banana production and consumption.

Which country has the best bananas?

The best bananas are found in the countries that grow them. And, from personal experience, the countries which have multiple varieties of bananas are the best.

It’s hard to pinpoint just one country with the best bananas, but some of the countries which are renowned for producing excellent quality bananas are Ecuador, the Philippines, Columbia, Honduras, Costa Rica and Brazil.

What are the top 3 countries that produce bananas?

The biggest banana producing country by far is India, followed by China and Indonesia. Whereas, Brazil follows closely behind as the fourth biggest banana producer in the world.

Who is the largest importer of bananas?

The US imports the most bananas each year, with 18.8% of all imported bananas.

What types of bananas are eaten in the US?

Like most of the Western world, the yellow Cavendish banana is most common in the US.

What is the difference between a banana and a plantain?

Bananas are sweeter, smaller and softer than plantains and can be eaten raw or cooked, usually in desserts or other sweet treats. Whereas plantains are a starchier and firmer fruit which must be cooked before eating. They often feature as sides to savoury dishes, or in desserts.

Final Thoughts – Bananas in Brazil

It is a real shame that the variety of bananas in Brazil aren’t as readily available back home. But, this simple and delicious fruit is just one more reason to look forward to my next trip to South America.

Hopefully this post has given you a better idea of the different fruit varieties and dishes to expect in Brazil, or inspired you to try making some of Brazil’s most popular banana recipes at home.

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