GO BANANAS

Edible bananas originated in the Indo-Malaysian region reaching to northern Australia. They were known only by hearsay in the Mediterranean region in the 3rd Century B.C., and are believed to have been first carried to Europe in the 10th Century A.D. Early in the 16th Century, Portuguese mariners transported the plant from the West African coast to South America. The types found in cultivation

in the Pacific have been traced to eastern Indonesia from where they spread to the Marquesas and by stages to Hawaii.

There are two main varieties of bananas, the fruit or sweet banana and the plantain. The fruit banana is eaten raw out of hand when it turns yellow and develops a succulent sweetness with a soft, smooth, creamy, yet firm pulp. The plantain, a cooking banana, is also referred to as the meal, vegetable or horse banana.

The Banana is one of the most popular fruits, ideal for any age group. It is a versatile fruit for a snack, dessert, cooking or for blending into nutritional milk shakes. Banana is eaten in many ways and has plenty of nutritional and medicinal benefits. Also it can be sliced and served in fruit cups and salads, sandwiches, custards and gelatins; being mashed and incorporated into ice cream, bread, muffins, and cream pies. Banana puree is important as infant food.

It has such impressive potassium content, protein and fiber. Vitamins and minerals are abundant in the bananas.

Blood Pressure: Banana is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat blood pressure.

School going kids showed that eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch improved their brainpower.

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heartburn.

Now it clearly shows that bananas are among the healthiest of fruits. 

Interesting facts on bananas..

Bananas. More bananas are sold than any other fruit in the United States. Believe it or not, 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once a month!

There is no such thing as a banana tree as they grow on plants. They are actually giant herbs in the same family

as lilies, orchids, and palms. Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem.

The banana plant does not grow from seeds. It actually grows from a rhizome (bulb). When ten or more bananas grow on a single stem they are known as a hand. Individual bananas, are called fingers. Bananas are unusual as they taste best when allowed to ripen off the plant.
Bananas are picked when they are still a hard green.

A BANANA TIP ....

Green tipped bananas are considered to be the best for cooking side dishes with. When they are 

yellow with brown flecks or riper they are great for using in breads, cookies, and shakes.




ks or riper they are great for using in breads, cookies, and shakes.