Chuối Xiêm Trắng

Xiem Trang Banana: A Familiar Banana Variety of the Mekong Delta
General Information
• Common name: Xiem Trang Banana (Chuối Xiêm Trắng)
• Genus: Musa
• Group: ABB
• Species: Musa balbisiana x Musa acuminata
• Banana types: Dual-purpose banana (can be eaten fresh or cooked)
• Origin: Thailand
• Distribution (in Vietnam): Nationwide, especially in the Mekong Delta, including provinces like Đồng Tháp, Cần Thơ, and An Giang.
Description
• Xiem Trang Banana has a similar appearance to Xiem Lun Banana but differs in peel color.
• The fruit is 12-18 cm long, with a light green peel when unripe, turning pale yellow or ivory-white when ripe.
• The flesh is creamy white, chewy, mildly sweet, and has a light fragrance, making it a favorite ingredient in traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Nutritional Value
• Xiem Trang Banana is rich in carbohydrates and fiber, supporting a healthy digestive system.
• It contains vitamins A, C, B6, and essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which boost energy, support the nervous system, and help reduce high blood pressure risks.
• Due to its natural sugar content, this banana is a healthy food choice for athletes and young children.
Usage
• Eaten fresh: Xiem Trang Banana is commonly consumed ripe due to its pleasantly mild sweetness, suitable for all age groups.
• Cooking: It is a key ingredient in dishes like banana sweet soup (chè chuối), banana cake, grilled banana, and steamed banana desserts.
• Green bananas: Often used in boiled dishes, soups, or braised with meat.
• Processed products: Xiem Trang Banana is also dried, made into banana candy, or pressed into banana snacks, which are Mekong Delta specialties.
Cultivation Conditions and Growth Characteristics
• Xiem Trang Banana thrives in alluvial soil with good drainage, especially in flood-prone areas or near rivers.
• This variety has high drought resistance, adapts well to tropical climates, and is easy to cultivate with minimal pest issues.
• It has a growth cycle of 8-10 months, with bunches weighing between 12-20 kg, ensuring high yield potential.
Commercial Value
• Xiem Trang Banana is a widely available fruit in Vietnamese markets and supermarkets, favored for its affordable price and stable quality.
• It serves as a key raw material for the food processing industry, supplying both domestic and export markets.
• Products made from Xiem Trang Banana are often chosen as gifts, especially during holidays and Tet celebrations.
Key Features
• It has excellent adaptability to the soil and climate of the Mekong Delta.
• With its natural flavor, high nutritional value, and ease of storage and transportation, this banana has become a staple choice for consumers.
Conclusion
Xiem Trang Banana is not only a daily essential fruit but also a significant contributor to the agricultural economy of the Mekong Delta. With its delicious taste, rich nutritional benefits, and versatility in cooking, Xiem Trang Banana remains a source of pride for Vietnam’s riverland regions.