Banana
Lacatan (Lakatan)
History
Native to the Philippines (and also grown in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand); considered by many Filipino growers to be the best-tasting banana variety, prized well above commercial Cavendish.
Taste profile
Rich, full banana flavor, sweeter and creamier than commercial types, with a distinct tangy edge - deep golden-orange flesh reflecting high beta-carotene content, and a soft, dessert-like texture some describe as "banana pudding in a peel."
Growing habits
A relatively fast producer for the fruit quality, bearing in as little as 9-12 months in warm conditions. Thick peel resists bruising, so the fruit can still be good inside even if the peel blackens.
Shipping
Ships reasonably well. Thick, tough peel protects the fruit well compared to thinner-skinned varieties, even though the peel itself blackens easily.