The Easiest Way to Harvest Banana Bunches – Plus an Exciting Ice Cream Project & Saying Goodbye to a Giant!

Troppo shares key activities and insights while preparing for the ‘Flavours of Plenty’ event and managing their garden. The focus is on banana harvesting techniques, replacing banana clumps with rarer varieties, and handling an overgrown ‘green Abyssinian.’

Harvesting bananas might seem straightforward, but there’s a method to making it easy, safe, and efficient. In this post, we’ll go over the simplest way to harvest banana bunches while ensuring optimal ripening. Plus, we’re harvesting early for a special Flavours of Plenty ice cream production for a kids’ tour! And finally, a bittersweet farewell to my giant Green Abyssinian banana.

The Best Way to Harvest Banana Bunches

Banana harvesting doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here’s the easiest way to get the job done:

1. Identify the Right Time – Bananas can be harvested green and ripened off the tree. Look for a full, plump bunch with a slight yellow tinge or wait until one or two bananas start turning yellow naturally.
2. Prepare Your Tools – A sharp knife or machete is essential. You’ll also want gloves, as banana sap can be sticky and stain.
3. Cut the Stalk Safely – Stand to the side, cut the stalk about 30 cm above the bunch, and let it drop gently onto a soft surface like banana leaves or a tarp.
4. Let the Bunch Hang – Hanging the bunch in a shady, airy spot helps it ripen evenly and prevents bruising.
5. Post-Harvest Handling – Rinse the bananas to remove sap and store them in a cool place. If you need them to ripen faster, place them in a warm spot with an apple or another ripe banana nearby.

Harvesting Early for Ice Cream Production

We’re taking part in a fantastic Flavours of Plenty ice cream project, where kids get to enjoy locally grown produce turned into delicious frozen treats. By harvesting our bananas slightly earlier, we ensure they are at the perfect stage for processing. It’s all about supporting local food resilience, education, and showing kids where their food comes from!

Farewell to the Giant Green Abyssinian Banana

Every grower knows that space is valuable. After much deliberation, it’s time to cull my massive Green Abyssinian banana. This giant has been a standout feature, but as we refine the growing space for more productive plantings, it’s time for a change. Removing a large banana plant is no small task, but it allows room for new growth and opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Harvesting bananas efficiently is a key skill for any grower. Whether you’re harvesting for fresh eating, preservation, or fun projects like ice cream making, knowing the right technique makes all the difference. Plus, making space for new crops keeps the garden evolving.

Have you tried harvesting bananas this way? Let us know your tips and experiences in the comments below!

Efficient Banana Harvesting Technique

Troppo describes a method for harvesting banana bunches that are out of reach without using a ladder:

• Make a partial cut on the inside of the banana bunch’s natural curve with a machete or sharp knife.
• Incremental cuts help the bunch come down gently.

Quote:

“So one of the easiest ways to grab a banana bunch down that you can’t reach or without needing a ladder is to just cut the stem on one side. The banana usually forms a curve when it goes to fruit. So just follow that natural curve and on the inside of that curve whack it with a machete or a sharp knife. The trick is not to go all the way through on the first cut and just keep going until the bunch comes down slowly. Much easier than having to climb a ladder.”

This technique is both safer and more efficient: “Saves climbing, saves calamity, and much easier that way too.”

Preparing for ‘Flavours of Plenty’ Event

The harvested bananas will be used to make ice cream for the upcoming ‘Flavours of Plenty’ event.

Quote:

“I’m chopping these bunches down earlier than i should because I’m going to replace this actual banana clump with a rare banana and I’ve got an event coming up for flavors of plenty that I need to make ice cream.”

Replacing Banana Clumps with Rare Varieties

Troppo is replacing existing banana clumps with rarer varieties like ‘AeAe’ or ‘Nono’ types, including variegated ones, to enhance visual appeal and ensure winter survival.

Quote:

“I’m going to replace it with a rare, probably with an AeAe or a nono or something like that. You know, something that’s variegated and will give this area a bit of color. Plus, getting multiple rares into the garden, especially through winter, just enables me to guarantee that I’m going to have one that’s going to be successful, you know, and not going to die, all die on me, and then I’ll be like ‘Oh no.'”

This reflects a deliberate horticultural strategy for both aesthetics and rare banana cultivar preservation.

Managing the ‘Green Abyssinian’

Troppo has been waiting for the ‘green Abyssinian’ to flower and produce seeds before removing it. The plant, described as a “gigantic beast,” has damaged a kiwi fruit bin.

Quote:

“I’ve been avoiding this green Abyssinian for a while because I was waiting for it to flower and then seed so I could collect the seed. But also, as its a gigantic beast. It’s in a kiwi fruit bin. And the kiwi fruit bin is about 1,200 wide. And the base of it has actually destroyed the kiwi fruit bin.”

During removal, the plant fell unpredictably, causing further damage:

“She’s about to fall and it’s going to make a mess. Should I just risk it? Yeah, that destroyed that. Oops. Yeah, I’m still alive.”

This highlights the challenges of controlling aggressive plant growth.

Resource Management and Practicality

Troppo demonstrates an understanding of plant physiology by mentioning that leaving part of the banana stem allows the clump to reabsorb nutrients.

Quote:

” You don’t want to chop that main fruiting stem down totally. You want the clump to reabsorb that nutrient.”

Additionally, Troppo’s willingness to harvest a banana bunch hanging over a neighbor’s fence reflects a practical approach to resource utilization.

Conclusion

This glimpse into Troppo’s gardening activities reveals:

• An efficient banana harvesting technique
• The strategic replacement of banana varieties
• Challenges in controlling an overgrown plant
• Practical problem-solving for event preparation

Troppo’s hands-on approach blends horticultural knowledge, resourcefulness, and event-driven garden management. Stay tuned for more gardening insights and updates!