All about: Bananas
Bananas might be one the most popular fruits around the world. They are sweet and delicious and can be eaten in so many different ways.
Growing bananas
Bananas are mostly grown in hot, tropical places around the world. They are grown in over 150 countries mostly in Asia, Latin America and Africa. In North America, most of our bananas come from Ecuador in South America. India grows the most bananas but most of these bananas are not exported to other countries.
There are over 1000 varieties of bananas. There are sweet and savoury bananas. Savoury bananas are called Plantains. Sweeter tasting bananas that we are used to here in North America are called Cavendish bananas. Bananas are grown on plants that look like trees but are actually tall herbs. They can grow up to 15 meters tall, a giraffe is 6 meters tall so a banana plant is more than two times the height of a giraffe! That’s tall!
Bananas take 9 -12 months to grow from when they are planted to when they are ready to be picked. Unlike most fruit, bananas don’t have a growing or picking season, they are available all year round. They are usually picked around 9 months after they are planted. Bananas are picked green and ripen between between being picked and arriving at the grocery store.
Nutrition
Bananas are full of great nutrients to help keep your body healthy and strong. Bananas are high in fibre which is good for tummies, Potassium which is good for heart health and antioxidants such as Vitamin C which help keep your body healthy and prevent diseases.
How to eat bananas
The best part of bananas is that they are portable and come in their own package. They don’t require any preparing or cutting. You can eat them on the go or use them in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for enjoying bananas
Top a slice of peanut or almond butter toast with bananas
Top buttered toast with bananas and cinnamon
Mash into a warm bowl of oatmeal
Blend into your favourite smoothie
Top a bowl of cereal or yogurt with sliced bananas
Slice and smother with nut or seed butter
Mash into a favourite recipe for muffins or pancakes
Get in the kitchen to use those ripe bananas on your counter! Check out these recipes in the Recipe section which use bananas as the star ingredient! Classic Banana Bread, Breakfast Banana Split, Banana Pancakes, Chocolate Banana Popsicle, Banana Blueberry Baked Oats and Banana Berry Frozen Yogurt Bark.