Subtropical bananas – taste the difference campaign begins

A new campaign to promote subtropical bananas in New South Wales is now under way.

The campaign aims to point out the differences in subtropical bananas from tropical bananas and encourage people to support the local product.

“Research shows that people really notice the difference in taste of subtropical bananas – they have a fuller flavour and are a little sweeter than tropical bananas,” says Subtropical Market Development Officer Geraldine O’Flynn (pictured).

“They also come in a wider range of sizes, with most being smaller than the extra large ones coming from over the border. Feedback tells us that many people like the smaller size, particularly for children.”

The North Coast of New South Wales used to be the premier banana growing district of Australia, before far north Queensland became the major district around 20 years ago. There were many banana farms right through the region, from Tweed Heads down to Nambucca Heads.

The number of farms is now greatly reduced, but there are still banana farmers supplying local outlets, markets and the major wholesalers in capital cities with subtropical bananas.

“Both Lady Finger bananas and the most popular Cavendish bananas are grown throughout the region, but it is with the Cavendish bananas that the taste difference is more distinct,” Ms O’Flynn said.

“It is believed that because the bananas take longer to grow and mature in the subtropics that the flavour and sweetness develop more. We would also like to encourage people to buy subtropical bananas and support local growers as there is a benefit to our environment as well as the ‘food miles’ are greatly reduced.

“We want people through the Woolgoola, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca districts to support locally grown and ask for subtropical bananas when they shop.”

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