Banana
Musa paradisiaca
Description
Tropical fruit with yellow skin when ripe, cultivated in over 130 countries. The banana plant is a fast-growing herbaceous plant. Consumed fresh, in smoothies, and desserts.
Benefits
Source of potassium (358 mg/100g), Vitamin B6, and fiber. Aids in blood pressure regulation and nervous system function.
History and Origins
Cultivated since 5,000 B.C. in Southeast Asia, the banana was crucial for the development of early civilizations. Brought to Africa by Arab merchants, it arrived in the Americas with the Portuguese in the 15th century. In the Victorian Era, it was considered exotic in Europe - Jules Verne described it in detail in his book "Around the World in Eighty Days".
Fun Facts
The Cavendish banana is not small - the name refers to the plant size! A single plant can produce up to 240 bananas. Plus: scientifically, it is an HERB, not a tree!
What are the varieties of Banana?
Popular types: Cavendish (most cultivated globally), Plantain (ideal for cooking/frying), Apple Banana (soft pulp), and Lady Finger (miniature).
Nutritional Values per 100g of Banana
| Calories | 89 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Vitamin C | 8.7 mg |
Harvest Months
Harvest months listed here correspond to the Southern Hemisphere.