Bananas are one of the most popular and affordable tropical fruits, grown in warm climates all over the world. They come from a decorative tree with large, broad leaves, and the fruit grows in bunches on a flowering stem, with the bananas curving upwards. The plant grows quickly, and after harvesting, the tree is cut down, allowing new plants to sprout from the root stock.
For export, bananas are picked while still green and stored under controlled conditions. They are ripened using ethylene gas, which allows them to develop their sweetness and texture at the right time. This controlled ripening process ensures that ripe bananas are available in markets all year round, making them a staple in households and food industries worldwide.
At room temperature, bananas ripen quickly, and buyers in the food service industries take note of their ripeness stage. Orders for bananas are often placed according to ripeness levels—green, turn, or ripe—to ensure they last through busy weekends. Organic bananas, however, are not treated with ethylene gas and may ripen more unpredictably.
The fruit is most commonly eaten raw, but it has many other uses. Dried bananas are a popular snack and can also be used in baking. Banana varieties vary widely, with finger bananas (also called Manzanita bananas) being one of the smaller types. A single bunch, or "hand," of finger bananas typically weighs 12 to 14 ounces and contains 10 to 12 bananas.
Bananas are also widely processed for industrial use. They are available in polyester bags and cans, making them easy to incorporate into products like baby food, smoothies, and baked goods. Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them a key ingredient in many food applications.
Red bananas, often mistaken for plantains, are a unique variety of bananas with a reddish-purple skin and a sweeter, creamier flesh than the common yellow banana. Unlike plantains, most red bananas can be eaten raw when fully ripe, though some varieties are also suitable for cooking.
With their high nutritional value, versatility, and convenience, bananas continue to be one of the most consumed fruits globally. Whether eaten fresh, dried, or processed, they remain a favourite for people of all ages.
