Did you know ?
- Bananas float in water.
- Banana plants are actually giant herbs, not trees.
- Wild bananas have seeds, but commercial bananas are seedless.
Banana
Bananas are elongated, curved fruits with a sweet flavor and creamy texture. They are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins, making them a convenient and nutritious snack. Bananas are typically eaten raw, but can also be used in cooking and baking.
View other Tropical fruits
Detailed nutritional values
Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”Values of an average banana (~118g) :
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Proteins | 1.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| of which sugars | 14.5g |
| Fiber | 3.1g |
| Fats | 0.4g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
How to know if a banana is ripe
Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
Perfectly ripe
Yellow with brown spots, soft, and sweet.
How to recognize this state :
- Yellow skin with brown spots
- Slightly soft to the touch
- Sweet aroma
- Easy to peel
- Creamy texture
- The shape is smooth
- Pulp is soft and white
- Sweet and fruity odor
Advice for ripe products
A perfectly ripe banana offers the best flavor and texture. Consume it quickly or refrigerate to slow down ripening.
Varieties examples
Section titled “ Varieties examples”Cavendish
The most common banana variety, known for its sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Plantain
A starchy banana variety that is typically cooked before eating.
Red Dacca
Red-skinned bananas with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Lady Finger
Small, sweet bananas with a thin skin.
How to choose a banana
Section titled “ How to choose ”To choose a quality banana at the supermarket or market :
- Look for bananas that are firm and free from bruises or cuts.
- Choose bananas that are yellow with some brown spots (indicating ripeness).
- Avoid bananas that are green or have a gray cast, as they are not yet ripe.
- Select bananas that are heavy for their size.
How to store a banana
Section titled “ How to store ”Store unripe bananas at room temperature.
To speed up ripening, place bananas in a paper bag.
Once ripe, store bananas in the refrigerator to slow down ripening.
You can also freeze bananas for later use in smoothies or baking.
How to ripen a banana
Section titled “ How to ripen ”If you bought an unripe banana, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place bananas in a paper bag at room temperature.
- Add an apple or avocado to the bag to release more ethylene gas.
- Store bananas in a warm place, such as near a sunny window.
Health benefits of a banana
Section titled “ Health benefits of ”- Rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure
- Good source of fiber, which aids digestion
- Contains vitamins and minerals that support overall health
- Provides a quick and sustained source of energy
- May help prevent muscle cramps
Origin of a banana
Section titled “ Origin of ”Bananas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. They spread throughout the tropics and were introduced to the Americas by European colonizers. Today, bananas are grown in over 100 countries.
Regions of origin
- Southeast Asia
- Africa
- Central America
- South America
Cook a banana according to its ripeness
Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Green banana fries
- Green banana curry
- Tostones (fried green plantains)
Perfectly ripe
- Banana bread
- Banana cream pie
- Banana split
Too ripe
- Banana muffins
- Banana ice cream
- Banana fritters
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”Warnings and precautions for a banana
Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”- Bananas may interact with certain medications.
- Overripe bananas may attract fruit flies.
- Bananas are a choking hazard for young children (cut into pieces).
- Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort