Bananas are the most popular fresh fruit in all of the world and its name comes from the Arabic word 'banan', which means finger. The scientific name of Banana is Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. But the old scientific names of banana are Musa sapientum and Musa paradisiacal. It is not used longer. Bananas are rich source carbohydrates and potassium. They are the first choice by athletics due to its high energy giving capability. The funny thing to notice about banana is its shape (like an arc) which makes its appearance appealing. And why not, they are the favorite fruit of monkeys!
It is not really known for a fact, but believed bananas originated in Malaysia because so many varieties of bananas are found there today. Bananas were probably the first fruit farmed by man, and are likely to have been first domesticated in Papua New Guinea. Their history is recorded all the way back to Alexander the Great's conquest of India, where he first discovered bananas in 327 B.C.
Varieties: They come in colors say, green, yellow, purple and red. Most of the varieties are perennial (grown throughout the year). They are native to tropical southeast asia, but now are grown almost in all places. They are known as either "Dessert" bananas (when fully ripe) or cooking bananas
Banana plant can be found very easily in one's yard or gardens as they are very easy to cultivate and it is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. It can grow up to 6 to 6.7 meters (20 to 24.9 ft) tall and its leaves can grow up to 2.7 meters (8.9 ft) long and 60 cm (2.0 ft) wide.
Single Banana of average 125 grams has about 75% of water and 25% of waterless substance. It has protective external layer called peel or skin and many threads around between the peel and internal layer. Its seed is like tiny black specks present in the interior portion of the fruit.
While exporting banana, it is take into air-tight rooms filled with ethylene gas for ripening. While artificial ripening process the flavor and texture are affected.
Unripened Banana can be cook as potatoes. It Can be fried, boiled, chipped and has similar taste. The banana and potato has same calories.
Banana can be used to avoid the following major diseases,
- Anemia:
Because of high iron content in banana, it is very useful for anemia sufferer
- Blood Pressure:
Banana has high potassium and low salt content, helpful to hit blood pressure.
- Memory loss:
Recent research report shows that the potassium packed fruit can helpful to boost the memory. So Banana is very useful to students during their exams.
- Depression:
According to MIND survey amongst people who suffered from depression, many felt much recovered after eating a banana. This is because banana has tryptophan. The tryptophan is a protein converts your body into serotonin that make you relax, improve your mood and make you feel happier.
- Hangovers:
Drinking banana milkshake sweetened with honey is one of the easiest ways to cure a hangover. Normally the banana has the power to calms the stomach, honey builds up depleted blood sugar levels and milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
- Heartburn:
Banana has a natural antacid which has the power to give relief from Heartburn.
- Morning Sickness:
Taking bananas between meals helpful to maintain blood sugar levels up and keep you away from morning sickness.
- Mosquito bites:
Rubbing with inner side of the banana skin has the power to reduce the swelling and irritation caused by mosquito.
- Nerves:
Because of high vitamin B, banana helps to calm the nervous system.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Banana is very useful for SAD sufferers because they have the natural mood enhancer, trypotophan.
- Strokes:
According to the research “The New England Journal of Medicine", the banana cut the risk of death caused by strokes by as much as 40%.
- Temperature control:
Banana is very useful for pregnant women to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
- Ulcers:
The banana can be used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.
- Warts:
Take a part of banana skin and keep it on the wart area with the yellow side out.
- Splinter Removal:
Similar to wart removal, tape a piece of the peel over the splinter. The enzymes will help dislodge the splinter and heal the wound.
How to buy fresh Bananas?
Unlike most other fruits, bananas develop their best eating quality after they are harvested. This allows bananas to be shipped great distances. Almost our entire supply of bananas, available year-round, is imported from Central and South America. Bananas are sensitive to cool temperatures and will be injured in temperatures below 55 °F. For this reason, they should never be kept in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for ripening bananas is between 60 and 70 °F. Higher temperatures cause them to ripen too rapidly.
Look for: Bananas which are firm, bright in appearance, and free from bruises or other injury. The state of ripeness is indicated by skin color. Best eating quality has been reached when the solid yellow color is specked with brown. At this stage, the flesh is mellow and the flavor is fully developed. Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor potential.
Avoid: Bruised fruit (indicating rapid deterioration and waste); discolored skins (a sign of decay); a dull, grayish, aged appearance (showing that the bananas have been exposed to cold and will not ripen properly). Occasionally, the skin may be entirely brown and yet the flesh will still be in prime condition.
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