A small banana can be called a Lady Finger banana, baby banana, or mini banana. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe smaller varieties of bananas than the common Cavendish banana.
Different Names for Small Bananas
Several names are used to describe smaller banana varieties:
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Lady Finger Banana: This is a common name, known for its sweet flavor and creamy texture. As noted in multiple sources (Samsungfood.com, Edible Arrangements blog, and others), they are noticeably smaller than Cavendish bananas, usually around three inches long. (Samsungfood.com, Edible Arrangements blog)
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Baby Banana: This is another popular term, often used synonymously with Lady Finger bananas. The term “baby banana” is sometimes used as a trademark, as seen on Chiquita bananas (Quora).
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Mini Banana: This is a concise and easily understood descriptor for smaller banana varieties. (Quora)
While the terms "small banana" and "miniature banana" are descriptive, they lack the specificity of "Lady Finger banana" or "baby banana", which refer to specific, established varieties. Other small banana varieties might exist and be known by regional or less common names. Some smaller bananas might also be plantains, depending on their use (Forumosa). Note that the term "fig" is sometimes used informally to describe smaller bananas, especially by older generations in some Caribbean regions (Reddit).
It's important to understand that the size of a banana can also depend on growing conditions and the specific cultivar. Therefore, while these terms generally refer to smaller bananas, the exact size can vary.
