The Story of Canarian Bananas: From Island Fruit to Banana Jam

If there is one fruit that feels inseparable from the Canary Islands, it has to be the plátano de Canarias.

Bananas have been grown across the islands for generations, and their presence is woven into the landscape, the food and everyday life of the Canarian people.

The warm climate, volcanic soils and distinctive growing conditions create bananas that are celebrated for their sweet flavour and unmistakable character.

For visitors, a bunch of bananas might seem like an ordinary sight.

For the Canary Islands, they are something much more special.

The beloved Plátano de Canarias

The bananas grown in the Canary Islands are a little different from the larger bananas many of us are used to seeing in British supermarkets.

Plátano de Canarias is traditionally associated with the islands and is known for its small dark speckles, creamy texture and intensely sweet flavour. The fruit has become one of the most recognisable products of the Canary Islands and an important part of the islands' agricultural heritage.

Banana cultivation is particularly important on islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera, where banana plantations form a distinctive part of the landscape.

The banana isn't simply grown there. It has become part of the identity of the islands.

A tropical larder in the Atlantic

The Canary Islands may be just off the coast of Africa, but their cuisine reflects a fascinating mixture of influences.

Volcanic landscapes, Atlantic trade routes, Spanish traditions and ingredients from across the world have all helped shape Canarian food.

The islands' warm climate also provides an abundance of tropical and subtropical fruits, including bananas, papayas, mangoes, avocados and figs.

Naturally, when you have wonderful fruit growing around you, preserving it becomes part of the culinary tradition.

Jams, preserves and sweets are a delicious way of making the most of seasonal fruit and ensuring that its flavour can be enjoyed long after it has been harvested.

Why make banana jam?

Bananas are usually eaten fresh, but turning them into jam creates something quite different.

Cooking ripe bananas concentrates their natural sweetness and transforms their soft, creamy texture into a rich, spreadable preserve. The result is comforting, fruity and surprisingly indulgent.

For us, the question is 'Why wouldn't you make banana jam?'

Bringing a taste of the islands to Britain

CANCHA was created from a love of the Canary Islands and a desire to share some of the flavours we have enjoyed there.

Our  CANCHA Banana Jam takes inspiration from the islands' love of their wonderful fruit and the tradition of turning good ingredients into something worth savouring.

We make our jam here in Wales, in small batches and by hand, but the inspiration comes from much further south — from sunny Atlantic islands, volcanic landscapes and the generous food culture of the Canaries.

We want our Banana Jam to be more than just another jar of jam.

We want it to bring a little bit of that Canarian sunshine and alegría to your breakfast table.

Spread it on warm toast. Add a spoonful to pancakes. Pair it with cheese. Or, if you're anything like us, simply sneak a spoonful straight from the jar.

Because sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious.

From the Canary Islands to Wales — CANCHA Banana Jam is our little way of sharing the joy of the islands with you.

¡Buen provecho! 🇮🇨