Bananas: Varieties, Properties, and Culinary Uses

Bananas are perhaps the most famous tropical fruit in the world. The word "banana" is believed to derive from the Arabic word for "finger."

There are a wide variety of banana varieties. There are even red bananas with pink skin, as well as small sugar bananas, no more than 7 cm in size. The most popular variety in Europe is the Cavendish. These bananas can be very long or very small, depending on the time of harvest. In Latin America, this variety is harvested very late, resulting in very large bananas. In the Caribbean, however, bananas of this variety are harvested very early, resulting in very small ones.

All types of bananas are highly nutritious. They're rich in potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and fiber. Although these fruits are high in sugar, they quickly provide energy and can be used as a complete, nutritious snack.

How to buy bananas?

Bananas are sold in stores year-round. If the banana peel has black spots, it's very ripe. If the peel is yellow with a greenish tint, the banana is not yet ripe and should be stored at room temperature for a while. Completely green bananas are unripe and should not be eaten.

Storing bananas

Bananas store well as long as they're unpeeled. They can be placed in a fruit bowl anywhere and will last for several days. Refrigerating bananas is not recommended, as this will cause their peels to turn black and will infuse nearby food with their banana aroma.

Cooking bananas

Bananas don't require any cooking. They can be eaten fresh. Simply peel them and then eat them as is, cut into pieces, or pureed.

Bananas can be used to make banana cake, which is delicious with cream and sugar. Banana smoothies are very popular everywhere.

Fried bananas are delicious. Slices of this exotic fruit are sprinkled with lemon juice, a little butter, a little sugar, and rum or cognac.

Bananas can be grilled in their skins for 10 minutes, then peeled and served with cream.

These fruits aren't just a dessert. They can be served with meat or fish. They're drizzled with lemon juice, sprinkled with sugar, and lightly grilled.

Recipes with bananas:
Banana cake with chocolate and icing
Banana and peanut ice cream
Banana pudding
Coconut Banana Colada Cocktail
Bruschetta with nut butter and bananas