Banana
Goldfinger (FHIA-01)
History
Developed by the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA), first crossed in 1982 and selected in 1985, specifically to combine good eating quality with strong resistance to Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) and Black Sigatoka - two diseases that devastate standard Cavendish plantings.
Taste profile
Sweet, firm, creamy flesh with a distinct sub-acid, apple-like tang that sets it apart from a standard Cavendish - some tasters describe it as "Cavendish with a twist."
Growing habits
A robust, disease-resistant plant with strong wind tolerance and better cold tolerance than most bananas. Bunches can be very large (up to roughly 45 kg/100 lbs) without needing support.
Shipping
Ships reasonably well. Resists browning when sliced and holds up well after harvest, better than most dessert bananas.