The blue banana, a unique variety that has begun to thrive in the Canary Islands, is capturing attention not only for its unusual colour but also for its distinct flavour and health benefits. Contrary to internet rumours, this striking blue fruit is not a product of genetic modification. Available now in select supermarkets, the blue banana has become particularly popular among younger consumers and those focused on maintaining a healthy diet.
While the blue banana’s peel is an unusual shade of blue, its flesh is lighter than that of a traditional banana, with a texture and taste often likened to vanilla. Known as Musa Blue Java, this variety originally hails from Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia. Its cultivation has spread to regions like Hawaii and Central America. Interestingly, the blue hue only appears when the fruit is green. As it ripens, the skin transitions to a typical yellow, though it remains velvety to the touch.

Introduced to the Canary Islands by Eduardo León in 2021, this banana variety began with a modest 78 plants on his farm in southern Tenerife. Today, León’s blue bananas are sold in Canary Island supermarkets and available for online purchase, with plans to expand sales to mainland Spain. The blue banana now grows alongside the classic Canary Island bananas and the red banana, a purple-skinned, raspberry-flavoured variety that has been cultivated in the archipelago for over 40 years.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the blue banana has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. Like the red banana, it is seen as a favourable option for those looking to lose weight due to its unique fibre and nutrient profile. However, cultivating the blue banana does come with challenges. Its plants are more delicate than traditional banana plants, requiring protection from the wind and careful handling.

While the blue banana is slightly shorter than the conventional Canary Island banana, it stands out for its premium pricing. Central American bananas sell in Spain for around 1 euro per kilogram, and traditional Canary Island bananas cost approximately 2 euros per kilogram. However, due to its unique qualities, a kilogram of blue bananas is priced around 4 euros.
Alcampo, one of the largest retail chains in the Canary Islands, began selling the blue banana in December 2023 at 3.99 euros per kilogram, making it an accessible treat for those curious to try something a little different.
With growing interest and ongoing cultivation efforts, the blue banana is quickly establishing itself as a distinctive and exciting addition to the Canary Islands’ agricultural offerings.