Cucurbita maxima Guatemalan Blue Banana – Unique, blue pumpkin with sweet flesh

The Cucurbita maxima Guatemalan Blue Banana is a unique and rare pumpkin variety from Guatemala, known for its striking blue skin, elongated shape, and creamy, sweet flesh. This variety is ideal for gardeners and amateur chefs seeking a unique harvest of medium- to large-sized pumpkins with excellent culinary qualities. Guatemalan Blue Banana combines robust growth, high flavor, and long storage, making it a favorite choice for both home gardens and culinary applications.

Thanks to its unique appearance and traditional characteristics, this pumpkin provides a consistent harvest of flavorful and striking fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

Guatemalan Blue Banana fruits are elongated and cylindrical, with a blue to blue-gray skin and a slightly ribbed texture. They weigh an average of 3 to 6 kilograms, but can sometimes grow even larger under optimal cultivation. The firm skin protects the flesh, making this squash suitable for long-term storage and transport.

The flesh is deep orange, creamy, and sweet, with a delicate nutty flavor. Its firm texture allows the flesh to remain intact during cooking, roasting, or pureeing. This combination of sweetness and firmness makes the variety versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.

Growth and cultivation

The Cucurbita maxima Guatemalan Blue Banana grows vigorously with long tendrils and broad leaves that protect the fruit from sun and wind. This variety is robust and reliable, even in changing weather conditions. Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, Guatemalan Blue Banana performs exceptionally well in well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: Sow indoors from April; plant out after the last frost.

• Outdoor sowing: Possible from the end of May at a soil temperature ≥15°C.

• Position: Full sun, warm and sheltered from strong winds.

• Planting distance: 2 meters per plant to allow sufficient space for tendrils and fruit development.

• Soil: Nutritious, humus-rich and well-drained; compost promotes fruit set and flavour development.

• Water: Water regularly, especially during fruiting and dry periods.

The fruits ripen late in the season and are ready for harvest when the skins harden completely and the stems begin to cork. When stored properly, the fruits can be kept for months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the Guatemalan Blue Banana is versatile and exceptionally flavorful. Its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor make it ideal for a variety of dishes. Its firm texture keeps the flesh intact when cooked, roasted, or pureed.

Popular applications:

• Creamy pumpkin soup

• Roasted pumpkin cubes

• Stews and curries

• Pumpkin puree, gnocchi or ravioli filling

• Sweet preparations such as pumpkin pie, muffins or bread

• Stuffed pumpkin with grains, vegetables or meat

Thanks to its striking blue skin and flavorful flesh, the Guatemalan Blue Banana is both a culinary eye-catcher and an interesting addition to any vegetable garden.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Guatemalan Blue Banana?

The Guatemalan Blue Banana combines a unique appearance, robust growth, and excellent culinary qualities in one versatile variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners, amateur chefs, and small growers who want a unique harvest of flavorful, eye-catching pumpkins.

Key benefits:

• Elongated, blue fruits

• Deep orange, creamy and sweet flesh

• Traditional and unique breed

• Robust and reliable growing variety

• Versatile in the kitchen – suitable for savoury and sweet dishes

• Good storage quality for winter storage

With its combination of unique color, flavor, and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima Guatemalan Blue Banana is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.