Banana: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:18, 19 March 2025

Edible fruit from the Musa plant

The banana is a popular, elongated, edible fruit produced by several species of large, herbaceous, flowering plants of the genus Musa. Botanically classified as a berry, bananas are cultivated primarily in tropical regions and are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide. They are known for their distinctive yellow skin when ripe, though some varieties can be red, green, or even purple.

Bananas serve as a staple food in many parts of the world due to their nutritional value, versatility, and natural sweetness. They are commonly eaten raw, blended into smoothies, used in baking, or processed into chips and other products.

Taxonomy and Classification

Bananas belong to the Musaceae family and are classified scientifically as follows:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Musaceae
Genus: Musa
Species: Multiple species, including Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana

Most commercially available bananas are hybrids of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana, resulting in the common cultivar known as Musa × paradisiaca.

History and Cultivation

Bananas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, particularly in present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They were later spread to India, Africa, and the Americas through trade and colonization.

Today, major banana-producing countries include:

India (Largest producer globally)
Ecuador (Top exporter)
Philippines
Brazil
Colombia
Indonesia
Costa Rica

Banana cultivation requires a warm, humid climate with well-drained soil. The plants grow from underground rhizomes and take approximately 9-12 months to produce fruit. The banana tree is not a true tree but rather a herbaceous plant with a pseudostem formed from tightly packed leaf bases.

Nutritional Value

Bananas are a rich source of essential nutrients and provide energy, fiber, and vitamins. Below is the nutritional profile per 100g of raw banana:


Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	89 kcal
Carbohydrates	22.8 g
Sugars	12.2 g
Fiber	2.6 g
Protein	1.1 g
Fat	0.3 g
Vitamin C	8.7 mg
Potassium	358 mg
Magnesium	27 mg

Health Benefits

Energy Source: The high carbohydrate content makes bananas an excellent pre-workout snack.
Digestive Health: Rich in dietary fiber, bananas aid in digestion and promote gut health.
Heart Health: Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Mood Booster: Contains tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, known for enhancing mood and promoting sleep.
Rich in Antioxidants: Contains compounds like dopamine and catechins, which help reduce oxidative stress.

Culinary Uses

Bananas are used in a wide variety of culinary applications, including:

Raw Consumption: Peeled and eaten fresh as a snack or added to smoothies and fruit salads.
Baking: Used in banana bread, muffins, and cakes.
Desserts: Commonly used in banana splits, pies, and pudding.
Cooking: Plantains, a firmer variety, are often fried, boiled, or mashed in African, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines.
Banana Chips: Sliced and fried or dried as a snack.
Beverages: Used in banana milkshakes, smoothies, and flavored drinks.

Types of Bananas

Bananas come in different varieties, with some meant for fresh consumption and others primarily used for cooking. Common types include:

Cavendish banana: The most widely consumed variety, known for its mild flavor and yellow peel.
Plantain: A starchy variety used in cooking, often fried or boiled.
Red banana: A sweeter, reddish-purple banana variety.
Burro banana: A short, squat banana with a tangy flavor.
Blue Java banana: Known as the "Ice Cream Banana" for its creamy texture and vanilla-like taste.

Banana Production and Trade

Bananas are a key export commodity, particularly for countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The banana industry is dominated by large multinational corporations such as:

Challenges in banana production include disease outbreaks such as:

Panama disease: A fungal infection affecting Cavendish bananas.
Banana Bunchy Top Virus: A viral disease stunting plant growth.
Black Sigatoka: A fungal leaf spot disease reducing crop yield.

Environmental and Social Impact

The banana industry faces various ethical and environmental challenges, including:

Deforestation: Expanding plantations contribute to deforestation.
Pesticide Use: Intensive farming relies heavily on agrochemicals, impacting biodiversity.
Labor Exploitation: Many banana plantations have been criticized for unfair labor practices.
Fair Trade Bananas: To combat these issues, organizations promote fair trade certification, ensuring ethical sourcing.

Fun Facts

Bananas float in water because they are less dense than water.
The inside of a banana peel can be used to shine shoes or soothe bug bites.
Bananas are botanically classified as berries, while strawberries are not.
The world’s largest banana producer is India, but Ecuador is the top exporter.
The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant.

Images

Flower of a banana plant.This image was taken in the state botanical gardens on the island of La Reunion
Banana plant at Kew Gardens in London
Bananas on a plantation in Morocco
Fruits of wild-type bananas have many large, hard seeds.

Banana, raw

Portion	100 g
Fiber, total dietary	2.6 g
Calcium, Ca	5 mg
Iron, Fe	0.26 mg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	8.7 mg
Protein	1.09 g
Total lipid (fat)	0.33 g
Carbohydrate, by difference	22.84 g
Energy	89 kcal
Sugars, total including NLEA	12.23 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium, Na	1 mg
Fatty acids, total saturated	0.112 g
Ingredients	Bananas, raw g

Nutritional information on Banana


USDA nutritional info on Banana USDA nutritional information on Banana
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Wikipedia's article on Banana
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NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs

Related pages

Banana bread

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 |familia = [[Musaceae]]
 |genus = [[Musa (genus)|Musa]]
 |species =
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-A '''banana''' is the common name for a type of [[fruit]] and also the name for the [[herbaceous plant]]s that grow it. These plants belong to the [[genus]] ''[[Musa (Musaceae)|Musa]]''. They are [[wikt:native|native]] to the [[tropical]] region of [[southeast Asia]].
-It is thought that bananas were grown for [[food]] for the first time in [[Papua New Guinea]].<ref name="apscience">{{cite web |title =
-Tracing antiquity of banana cultivation in Papua New Guinea |publisher = The Australia & Pacific Science Foundation |url =http://apscience.org.au/projects/PBF_02_3/pbf_02_3.htm  |accessdate = 2009-07-17}}</ref> Today, they are cultivated in [[tropical]] regions around the world.<ref>[http://agroforestry.net/tti/Musa-banana-plantain.pdf agroforestry.net]</ref> Most banana plants are grown for their fruits, which botanically are a type of [[berry]]. Some are grown as [[ornamental plant]]s, or for their [[fibre]]s. banana can also be a word that can be used a lot
-There are about 110 different species of banana. In [[popular culture]] and [[commerce]], "banana" usually refers to the soft and sweet kind, also known as ''dessert bananas''. Other kinds, or [[Cultivar|cultivars]], of banana have a firmer, [[Starch|starchier]] fruit. Those are usually called [[plantain]]s. Plantains are mostly used for cooking or fibre.
-Other than being used as food, [[beer]] can be made by [[fermentation|fermenting]] the [[juice]] of certain [[cultivar]]s in Africa, known as ''beer bananas''.<ref name="unctad">{{cite web|url=http://www.unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/banana/Doc/musa.pdf|title=Uses of Musa|year=1996|publisher=UNCTAD|format=pdf}}</ref> The [[ash]] of bananas can be used to make [[soap]].<ref name="unctad" /> In Asia, bananas are often planted to provide shade to plants that like shade, for example [[coffee]], [[cocoa]], [[nutmeg]] or [[black pepper]].<ref name="unctad" /> Because of this, banana plants can often be found in [[plantation]]s of other crops.
-==The banana plant==
-The banana plant is the largest [[Herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] flowering plant.<ref>[http://www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/Publications/pubs/garden0502/ ''Yes, we have more bananas''] [[wikt:publish|published]] in the [[Royal Horticultural Society]] Journals, May 2002</ref> Banana plants are often mistaken for [[tree]]s. Bananas have a ''false stem'' (called ''pseudostem''), which is made by the lower part of the leaves. This pseudostem can grow to be two to eight meters tall. Each pseudostem grows from a [[corm]]. A pseudostem is able to produce a single bunch of bananas. After fruiting, the pseudostem dies and is replaced. When most bananas are [[ripe]], they turn [[yellow]] or, sometimes, [[red]]. Unripe bananas are green.
-Banana leaves grow in a [[spiral]] and may grow {{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=off}} long and {{convert|60|cm|ft|abbr=on}} wide.<ref name="morton">{{
-cite web|url=http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/banana.html |title=Banana from '&#39;Fruits of Warm Climates'&#39; by Julia Morton |publisher=Hort.purdue.edu |accessdate=2009-04-16}}</ref> They are easily torn by the wind, which results in a familiar, frayed look.<ref>
-''See'' Greenearth, Inc., [http://www.bananaplants.net/banananinfo.html Banana Plant Growing Info]. Retrieved 2008.12.20.</ref>
-==Fruit==
-The banana fruits grow from a banana blossom in hanging [[wikt:cluster|clusters]], also called a ''bunch'' or ''banana stem''. The fruits grow in rows called ''tiers'' or ''hands''. There can be as many as twenty fruits to a hand, and as many as twenty tiers in a bunch. A bunch usually weighs between 30 and 50 kilograms (65 to 110 pounds).
-A single fruit weighs about 125 grams (4.4 ounces) on average; about three quarters of this is water.
-Each banana (or ''finger'') has a protective outer layer (called ''peel'' or ''skin''). There is a fleshy part inside that readily spilts into three segments. It is the only known tri-segmented fruit in the world. Both the skin and inner part can be eaten. [[Western culture]]s generally eat the inside raw and throw away the skin. Some Asian [[culture]]s eat both the skin and the inside cooked.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Valmayor |first=Ramón V. |last2=Jamaluddin |first2=S.H. |last3=Silayoi |first3=B. |last4=Kusumo |first4=S. |last5=Danh |first5=L.D. |last6=Pascua |first6=O.C. |last7=Espino |first7=R.R.C. |date=2000 |title=Banana cultivar names and synonyms in Southeast Asia |publication-place=Los Baños, Philippines |publisher=International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain – Asia and the Pacific Office |isbn=978-971-91751-2-4 |url=http://kukr.lib.ku.ac.th/Fulltext_kukr/KU0222075c.pdf |accessdate=February 22, 2016 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DWPTd1hm |archivedate=January 8, 2013  |lastauthoramp=yes |ref=harv }}</ref> Each fruit has many ''strings'' that run between the skin and the inner part.
-Bananas have a lot of [[B vitamin complex|vitamin B<sub>6</sub>]], [[vitamin C]], and [[potassium]].<ref name=Nutridata>{{cite web |title=Nutrition Facts for raw banana, one NLEA serving, 126 g |publisher=Nutritiondata.com |url=http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1846/2 |accessdate=February 22, 2016}}</ref>
-==Growing and trading bananas==
 [[File:Banana production by nation.svg|thumb|Banana production, as a percentage of the top producer (India). A yellow circle stands for 10%, a red one for 1%.]]
 [[File:Green yellow bananas dsc07775.jpg|thumb|Green and yellow bananas in a [[market]]]]
-Bananas are grown in at least 107 [[Country|countries]].<ref name="fao">{{cite web |title = FAOSTAT:  ProdSTAT: Crops |publisher = [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] |year = 2005 |url = http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567 |accessdate = 09-12-2006}}</ref> The banana species growing in the wild have [[fruit]]s with many hard, large [[seed]]s, but almost all bananas grown to be eaten have [[seedless fruit]]s. Bananas are classified either as [[dessert]] bananas or as green cooking bananas. Almost all export bananas are of the dessert types. Only about ten to fifteen percent of all production is for [[export]].<ref name="morton" /><ref name="unctad_exports">{{cite web|url=http://www.unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/banana/Doc/bananaexports.pdf|format=pdf|title=Banana Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean: The Market, the Evolving Policy Framework, and Development Options|publisher=FAO|year=1998}}</ref> Dessert bananas change their color and usually turn yellow, when they are ripe; plantains and bananas generally used for cooking stay green. Certain bananas have other colors when ripe.
+[[File:Banane-A-05 cropped.jpg|thumb|A banana peel without its insides]]
+{{Short description|Edible fruit from the Musa plant}}
+The '''banana''' is a popular, elongated, edible fruit produced by several species of large, herbaceous, flowering plants of the genus '''[[Musa]]'''. Botanically classified as a '''berry''', bananas are cultivated primarily in tropical regions and are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide. They are known for their distinctive yellow skin when ripe, though some varieties can be red, green, or even purple.
-The countries that [[produce]] the most bananas include [[India]], [[Brazil]], [[China]], [[Ecuador]] and the [[Philippines]].<ref name="unctad_prod">{{cite web|url=http://unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/banana/market.htm#prod|title=Banana production 2003-2006|publisher=unctad}}</ref> The top five countries that [[export]]ed bananas were Ecuador, [[Costa Rica]], the Philippines, [[Colombia]] and [[Guatemala]].<ref name="unctad_export">{{cite web|url=http://unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/banana/market.htm#exports|title=Banana exports 2003-2006|publisher=unctad}}</ref> The [[United States]], the [[European Union]] and [[Japan]] buy the most bananas.<ref name="unctad_exports"/> Bananas are among the most valuable [[agriculture|agricultural]] export products; They provided about sixty percent of export earnings of [[Saint Lucia]] and about twelve percent of the [[Gross Domestic Product]] of the country, between 1994 and 1996.<ref name="unctad_exports"/>
+Bananas serve as a staple food in many parts of the world due to their '''nutritional value, versatility, and natural sweetness'''. They are commonly eaten raw, blended into smoothies, used in baking, or processed into chips and other products.
-==Allergies==
+== Taxonomy and Classification ==
-Some people are [[allergy|allergic]] to bananas. There are two basic forms of these allergies. The first is known as [[oral allergy syndrome]]. Within an hour of eating a banana, [[swelling]] starts inside the mouth or throat. This allergy is related to allergies caused by [[pollen]], like that of the [[birch]] tree. The other is similar to [[latex allergy|latex allergies]]. It causes [[urticaria]] and potentially serious upper [[gastrointestinal tract|gastrointestinal]] symptoms.<ref>{{cite web | title="The Informall Database: Communicating about Food Allergies - General Information for Banana"|url=http://foodallergens.ifr.ac.uk/food.lasso?selected_food=5|accessdate=2007-04-29}}</ref>
+Bananas belong to the '''Musaceae''' family and are classified scientifically as follows:
+* '''Kingdom''': Plantae
+* '''Order''': Zingiberales
+* '''Family''': Musaceae
+* '''Genus''': '''[[Musa]]'''
+* '''Species''': Multiple species, including '''[[Musa acuminata]]''' and '''[[Musa balbisiana]]'''
-==Other uses of bananas==
+Most commercially available bananas are hybrids of '''Musa acuminata''' and '''Musa balbisiana''', resulting in the common cultivar known as '''Musa × paradisiaca'''.
-===Textiles===
+== History and Cultivation ==
-The fibre gained from the banana plant has been used to make [[textile]]s for a long time. In [[Japan]], bananas have been grown to be used for [[clothes|clothing]] and in the house since at least the [[13th century]]. In the Japanese system, the leaves and shoots are cut from the plant periodically to make sure they are soft. The harvested shoots must first be boiled in [[lye]] to prepare the fibres for the making of the [[yarn]]. These banana shoots produce fibres of varying degrees of softness. They can be used for yarns and textiles of different qualties, and for specific uses. For example, the outermost fibres of the shoots are the coarsest - they are good for [[tablecloth]]s. The softest innermost fibres are desirable for [[kimono]] and [[hakama|kamishimo]]. This traditional Japanese banana cloth making process has many steps, all performed by hand.<ref>{{cite web |title =Traditional Crafts of Japan - Kijoka Banana Fiber Cloth |publisher = Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries |url = http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/0130/f0130.html |accessdate = 11-12-2006}}</ref>
+Bananas are believed to have originated in '''Southeast Asia and the South Pacific''', particularly in present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They were later spread to '''India, Africa, and the Americas''' through trade and colonization.
-Another system is used in [[Nepal]]. There the [[Trunk (botany)|trunk]] of the banana plant is harvested instead. Small pieces of this trunk are then softened. The fibres are extracted mechanically, [[bleach]]ed, and [[drying|dried]]. They are then sent to the [[Kathmandu Valley]], where high-end [[rug]]s are produced. These rugs have a texture and general qualities similar to that of [[silk]]. These banana fibre rugs are woven by traditional Nepalese hand-knotted methods.
+Today, major banana-producing countries include:
+* '''[[India]]''' (Largest producer globally)
+* '''[[Ecuador]]''' (Top exporter)
+* '''[[Philippines]]'''
+* '''[[Brazil]]'''
+* '''[[Colombia]]'''
+* '''[[Indonesia]]'''
+* '''[[Costa Rica]]'''
-=== Banana peel ===
+Banana cultivation requires a '''warm, humid climate''' with well-drained soil. The plants grow from underground rhizomes and take approximately '''9-12 months''' to produce fruit. The banana tree is not a true tree but rather a '''herbaceous plant''' with a pseudostem formed from tightly packed leaf bases.
-[[File:Banane-A-05 cropped.jpg|thumb|A banana peel without its insides]]
-A '''banana peel''' is the outer skin of a banana. It is usually peeled to get at the delicious insides. Some people use banana peels to make other people slip on them. The term is used as a [[metaphor]] for a kind of joke.
+== Nutritional Value ==
+Bananas are a rich source of essential nutrients and provide '''energy, fiber, and vitamins'''. Below is the nutritional profile per 100g of raw banana:
-=== Paper===
+{| class="wikitable"
-Banana fibre is also used to make ''banana paper''. There are two different kinds of banana paper: paper made from the [[bark]], and paper made from the fibre and from unused fruits.
+|+
+!Nutrient
+!Amount per 100g
+|-
+| Calories
+| 89 kcal
+|-
+| Carbohydrates
+| 22.8 g
+|-
+| Sugars
+| 12.2 g
+|-
+| Fiber
+| 2.6 g
+|-
+| Protein
+| 1.1 g
+|-
+| Fat
+| 0.3 g
+|-
+| Vitamin C
+| 8.7 mg
+|-
+| Potassium
+| 358 mg
+|-
+| Magnesium
+| 27 mg
+|}
-== Interesting facts about Banana ==
+=== Health Benefits ===
-*Are you aware that bananas are the most popular fresh fruit in the United States?
+* '''[[Energy Source]]''': The high carbohydrate content makes bananas an excellent pre-workout snack.
+* '''[[Digestive Health]]''': Rich in '''dietary fiber''', bananas aid in digestion and promote gut health.
+* '''[[Heart Health]]''': '''Potassium''' helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
+* '''[[Mood Booster]]''': Contains '''tryptophan''', which the body converts into '''serotonin''', known for enhancing mood and promoting sleep.
+* '''[[Rich in Antioxidants]]''': Contains compounds like '''dopamine''' and '''catechins''', which help reduce oxidative stress.
-*Are you aware that bananas received a new name each time a different group of people discovered them? (Some of these included “banna”, “ghana” and even “funana”! The people of Africa are credited for giving the banana its permanent English name.)
+== Culinary Uses ==
+Bananas are used in a wide variety of culinary applications, including:
-*Are you aware that bananas are the fruit choice of many athletes? (The reason --- they have both a high amount of carbohydrates as well as potassium! Potassium is a mineral that helps the muscles work.)
+* '''Raw Consumption''': Peeled and eaten fresh as a snack or added to '''smoothies and fruit salads'''.
+* '''Baking''': Used in '''banana bread, muffins, and cakes'''.
+* '''Desserts''': Commonly used in '''banana splits, pies, and pudding'''.
+* '''Cooking''': '''Plantains''', a firmer variety, are often fried, boiled, or mashed in '''African, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines'''.
+* '''Banana Chips''': Sliced and fried or dried as a snack.
+* '''Beverages''': Used in '''banana milkshakes, smoothies, and flavored drinks'''.
-*Are you aware that you can store ripe bananas in the refrigerator; the peel turns brown but the fruit inside will still be good?
+== Types of Bananas ==
+Bananas come in different varieties, with some meant for fresh consumption and others primarily used for cooking. Common types include:
-*Are you aware that there is a banana primarily used for cooking? (It is called a “plantain”. It is used like a potato in many tropical lands.)
+* '''[[Cavendish banana]]''': The most widely consumed variety, known for its mild flavor and yellow peel.
+* '''[[Plantain]]''': A starchy variety used in cooking, often fried or boiled.
+* '''[[Red banana]]''': A sweeter, reddish-purple banana variety.
+* '''[[Burro banana]]''': A short, squat banana with a tangy flavor.
+* '''[[Blue Java banana]]''': Known as the "Ice Cream Banana" for its creamy texture and vanilla-like taste.
-*Are you aware that there are several different varieties of bananas? (These include “finger bananas”, “red bananas” and “plantains”. The popular yellow banana, “Cavendish” is the one we commonly see in grocery stores.)
+== Banana Production and Trade ==
+Bananas are a key export commodity, particularly for countries in '''Latin America and Southeast Asia'''. The '''banana industry''' is dominated by large multinational corporations such as:
-*Are you aware that that an average person eats 33 pounds of bananas each year?
+* '''[[Chiquita Brands International]]'''
+* '''[[Dole Food Company]]'''
+* '''[[Del Monte Foods]]'''
+* '''[[Fyffes]]'''
-*Are you aware that bananas have been produced for over 1 million years?
+Challenges in banana production include '''disease outbreaks''' such as:
+* '''[[Panama disease]]''': A fungal infection affecting Cavendish bananas.
+* '''[[Banana Bunchy Top Virus]]''': A viral disease stunting plant growth.
+* '''[[Black Sigatoka]]''': A fungal leaf spot disease reducing crop yield.
-*Are you aware that bananas are a great source of potassium? (Potassium balances the fluids in your body, is important for normal blood pressure, muscle growth and the functioning of the brain and nervous system.)
+== Environmental and Social Impact ==
+The banana industry faces various '''ethical and environmental challenges''', including:
+* '''Deforestation''': Expanding plantations contribute to deforestation.
+* '''Pesticide Use''': Intensive farming relies heavily on agrochemicals, impacting biodiversity.
+* '''Labor Exploitation''': Many banana plantations have been criticized for unfair labor practices.
+* '''Fair Trade Bananas''': To combat these issues, organizations promote '''fair trade certification''', ensuring ethical sourcing.
-*Are you aware that more than 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once a month?
+== Fun Facts ==
+* Bananas float in water because they are '''less dense than water'''.
+* The inside of a banana peel can be used to '''shine shoes or soothe bug bites'''.
+* Bananas are '''botanically classified as berries''', while strawberries are not.
+* The world’s largest banana producer is '''India''', but Ecuador is the '''top exporter'''.
+* The banana plant is the '''largest herbaceous flowering plant'''.
-*Are you aware that that Dole packs single bananas in a special way specifically for school food service? (There are 150 single packed bananas in a case. These are always consistent in size, quantity, and quality and are pre-washed and pre-trimmed; ready to serve from the carton!)
+== See Also ==
+* '''[[Fruit]]'''
+* '''[[Tropical agriculture]]'''
+* '''[[Cavendish banana]]'''
+* '''[[Plantain]]'''
+* '''[[Fair trade bananas]]'''
+* '''[[Banana Republic]]'''
 == Images ==