This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Botanical name
Almost all modern edible seedless bananas come from two wild species, musa acuminata and musa balbisiana.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Maganese
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Folate
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Potassium – Although bananas are commonly thought to contain high levels of potassium, the actual potassium content is not that high per food serving. They only contain 8% of the US RDA value. Vegetables with higher potassium content than bananas include raw spinach, cooked soybeans, potatoes, and portabella mushrooms.
Allergen Note:
Individuals with a latex allergy may experience a reaction to bananas.
Description
The banana is an edible fruit, technically a berry that is produced by several kinds of large, herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa.
The fruit varies in its size, color, and firmness. It is usually elongated and curved with soft flesh that is covered in a rind. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant.
Background and History
Originally found in South East Asia, mainly India. They were brought west by Arab conquerors in 327 B.C. and moved from Asia Minor to Africa and carried to the New World by the first explorers and missionaries to the Caribbean.
Quick Tip
Instead of throwing out those bananas that have gone extra ripe and will rot before you get a chance to eat them, peel them and place them in a freezer-safe container and place them in your freezer. Use them later for smoothies or banana bread. Just be sure they are separated before you freeze them or you will end up with a pile of bananas frozen together.
Pairs Well With
- Chocolate
- Caramel
- Cherry
- Cinnamon
- Hazelnut
- Honey
- Walnuts
Storage
The ripening process of bananas does not slow down after they are picked. Bananas should be stored at room temperature. The warmer the temperature, the faster bananas will ripen.
However, to slow ripening, bananas should be refrigerated. The outer peel of the banana will darken but the banana itself will stay intact longer.
To encourage faster ripening, place the banana in a brown paper bag at room temperature.
Popular Uses
The Fruit
- As an excellent snack that comes with its own packaging.
- Popular in desserts such as banana cream pie, banana pudding and banana splits.
- Sliced into coin shapes and added to yogurt or your favorite cereal.
The Leaves
- Banana leaves are large, flexible, and waterproof. They are often used as ecologically friendly disposable food containers or as “plates” in Southeast Asian countries.
- In Indonesian cuisine, banana leaf is employed in cooking methods like pepes and botok. Banana leaf packages containing food ingredients and spices are cooked in steam or in boiled water, or are grilled on charcoal.
- In South India, it is customary to serve traditional food on a banana leaf.
- In Tamil Nadu (India), dried banana leaves are used as to pack food and to make cups to hold liquid food items.
The Trunk
The tender core of the banana plant’s trunk is also used Southeast Asian cuisine in dishes such as mohinga and inubaran.
Quick Tip
Ripe mashed bananas can be used in baked goods to replace oil or butter. Mashed bananas lend a moist, naturally sweet flavor to muffins, cookies and cakes.