Orinoco (Burro) Banana Grow Guide

Originally discovered near the Orinoco River in Venezuela, the Orinoco Banana is one of the most cold-hardy bananas that homeowners can grow ❄️

Also called the ‘Burro’ Banana due to the fruit’s resemblance to a donkey’s back, it is also one of the most versatile bananas out there. It’s great for smoothies, cooking, and eating out of hand!

Oh, and did I mention that there’s a dwarf version of the Orinoco that stays pretty small as well? 😉

With that being said, this grow guide will cover everything you need to know about the Orinoco Banana:

Table of Contents

• Orinoco Banana Tree Characteristics & Fruit Production
• Orinoco Banana Flavor Profile
• Orinoco Banana Disease Resistance
• Orinoco Banana Tree For Sale (Where To Find)
• Conclusion

Orinoco Banana Tree Characteristics & Fruit Production

There are two sub-cultivars of the Orinoco Banana: the Standard Orinoco and the Dwarf Orinoco.

The Standard Orinoco is a medium to large-sized banana tree that typically grows between 10 – 16 feet tall, whereas the Dwarf Orinoco is a smaller banana tree that usually averages 6 – 10 feet tall.

So, while the Standard Orinoco isn’t ideal as a “condo” banana , the Dwarf Orinoco, on the other hand, can be grown in a container over the long term. Both are super easy to grow, which is why you’ll often see Orinocos grown in California and Florida as ornamental landscape plants.

Side note: The Dwarf Orinoco is just one of my favorite plants to grow in general! 🙂

Both variations of the Orinoco Banana are fast-growing, wind-resistant plants with thick, sturdy stalks and large, robust leaves. As a result, Orinoco Bananas can tolerate mild to moderate winds.

That said, I would still highly recommend avoiding planting them in areas with frequent or extreme winds, as their large, broad leaves are still prone to shredding in strong gusts.

The Orinoco is a Musa acuminata x balbisiana hybrid and features a Triploid (ABB) genome. Other triploid (ABB) banana cultivars include, but are not limited to:

Ice Cream (Blue Java)
Nam Wah
Praying Hands
Pitogo

Why does banana chromosomal count even matter? Glad you asked! 😜

In layman’s terms, the sweetness and softness of a banana’s texture increase with a higher concentration of ‘A’ chromosomes inherited from Musa acuminata. Conversely, a greater proportion of ‘B’ chromosomes from Musa balbisiana enhances the banana’s resilience, improving its cold tolerance and resistance to diseases.

So, while the Orinoco isn’t genetically geared to produce fruit as sweet as those in the Cavendish Sub-Group, its additional B chromosomes provide greater tolerance for environmental stressors such as drought, wind, and cold conditions.

Speaking of cold hardiness, I have found the pseudostems of Orinoco Bananas to be remarkably resilient. More specifically, I’ve witnessed Orinoco pseudostems endure cold snaps down to the mid-20s°F and still survive and produce in the following year. Crazy 🤯

Finally, the Orinoco Banana’s fruit production is average to good.

However, when grown under optimal conditions, Orinocos can totally be absolute workhorses and produce a lot of respectable-sized bunches of ‘hands.’

Orinoco Banana Flavor Profile

The Orinoco Banana is a thin-skinned variety that often reaches between five to seven inches in total length.

Personally, I believe they’re at their best when there’s still a touch of green on the stem (but that’s just me)—which will give you a nice balance of starchiness and sweetness. For the full flavor potential, though, you’ll want to wait until the peel turns a deep yellow with some brownish spots.

When underripe, Orinoco Bananas tend to lean starchy—almost like a plantain—but as they ripen, that starchiness fades into a softer, sweeter consistency. It’s a bit of a transformation that makes this banana pretty versatile depending on how you like to eat it.

Be warned, though: once Orinocos begin to ripen, they cross into overripe territory fast—we are talking one to two days max before the flesh gets overly mushy, kind of like an overripe Blue Java or Sweetheart.

Texture-wise, the Orinoco has an interesting balance. It’s not as dense as a Hua Moa, but it does have a silky, fluffy texture paired with a slightly fibrous, chewy core.

Now, about the flavor: if you’re expecting something bold, overly sweet, or intensely tart/tangy notes, the Orinoco will let you down. That is because the flavor is definitely on the milder side, with a bit of sweetness and, at the perfect ripeness, a subtle sub-acid tang that hints at a note of strawberry.

Beyond that, the Orinocos have mostly a standard banana flavor, reminiscent of a slightly underripe Cavendish.

Honestly, from a flavor perspective, the Orinoco is not one you’ll be raving about for its complexity or richness, but it’s still pleasant enough if you manage your expectations.

With that being said, where the Orinoco really shines, though, is in its versatility.

While the raw flavor isn’t its strong suit, this banana is a champ when it’s used like a plantain. In my opinion, Orinocos are a great go-to for making banana chips and also hold up well when used in savory dishes.

Or even better, toss them into a smoothie, and you’ll get a creamy texture with a gentle banana note that won’t overpower the other ingredients—perfect for those who want just a hint of banana.

Overall, the Orinoco might not top the flavor charts and is often overlooked due to its milder flavor profile, but it still has its own appeal and applications. For those who prioritize hardiness, productivity, and versatility in the kitchen, the Orinoco is a very attractive choice that can shine in the right context.

Orinoco Banana Disease Resistance

Due to its triploid (ABB) genome structure, the Orinoco Banana exhibits moderate susceptibility to diseases.

More specifically, the Orinoco Banana can be affected by both Panama Disease and Black Sigatoka, which pose challenges for many banana cultivars.

While not as vulnerable as other varieties, like Gros Michel, it still requires careful management and benefits from being planted in disease-free or well-monitored soils to reduce the risk of infection.

Orinoco Banana Tree For Sale (Where To Find)