Thai banana

Thai banana (also called pisang awak) is a banana cultivar originating from Thailand, belonging to the triploid ABB banana cultivar group. This banana cultivar is one of the most important banana fruits in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Thai bananas contain many nutrients and are often eaten when ripe or prepared into many other dishes. Almost all parts of the Thai banana tree have useful uses for humans.

Etymology


Thai banana (or 'pisang awak') is also known in Australia as 'Ducasse' and 'Kayinja' in Uganda. The Malaysian name "pisang awak" is more commonly used among research institutions. In Thailand, it is known as kluai nam wa (กล้วยน้ำว้า, ). The term nam wa has crossed over into the Khmer language where Thai banana is known in Cambodia as chek nam va (ចេកណាំវ៉ា), but is known in the Khmer-speaking Thai province of Surin as chek sâ (ចេកស) or white banana. This banana variety has multiple romanizations including 'Namwah Tall' (with a superfluous 'h'). In Vietnam, it is called as chuối sứ or chuối xiêm ("Siamese banana", means 'Thailand banana'). In Philippines, it is commonly called lagkitan in the Southern Tagalog region or botolan in the Palawan region.

As a stout mutation, 'Dwarf Pisang Awak' is known in America as Musa 'Dwarf Namwah' as popularized by Agri-Starts Inc; and in Thai language as kluai nam wa khom (กล้วยน้ำว้าค่อม).

Description
Thai banana plant grows up to 3 - 5 m in height. It is known to produce seed with the availability of fertile pollen.

Taxonomy
Thai banana is originated from Thailand, a cross between Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Most sources affirm that Thai banana belongs to the triploid ABB genome group. But there is source still thought that this cultivar belongs to the tetraploid AABB genome group? Its official designation is Musa (ABB Group) 'Pisang Awak '. Synonyms include: Musa paradisiaca var. awak.

Uses
In Uganda, 'Thai banana' also known as 'pisang awak' (known locally as kayinja) is grown for making banana beer.

In Cambodia, 'Thai banana' as well as 'pisang awak' (known locally as chek nam va) is favored over varieties for its multiple uses while other varieties are valued for the fruit. The banana blossoms (at the stage of male flower production) and pseudostem, although astringent, are eaten as a vegetable. The folded leaves are used as a container for making steamed curries, including fish amok and ansom chek in which the fragrance of the banana leaves is transferred to the food being cooked.

In Vietnam, Thai bananas are eaten both when ripe, raw and when the fruit is still green. In the Southwest region, almost all parts of the Thai banana tree are used by people to serve their daily lives. "Grilled sticky bananas" is prepared from Thai banana, is one of 9 dishes mentioned by CNN in list of "The World's Best Desserts".