Banana: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Banana_hand.jpg|right|thumb|250px|{{#ifexist:Template:Banana_hand.jpg/credit|{{Banana_hand.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}A hand of bananas.]] | [[Image:Banana_hand.jpg|right|thumb|250px|{{#ifexist:Template:Banana_hand.jpg/credit|{{Banana_hand.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}A hand of bananas.]] | ||
'''Bananas''' are the [[fruit]] of a wide range of species in the [[Musa]] taxonomic [[genus]].<ref> The naming of species in the genus Musa, family Musaceae, is a complex business. See more, including the taxonomic history, at [[Musa]].</ref> | '''Bananas''' are the [[fruit]] of a wide range of species in the [[Musa]] taxonomic [[genus]].<ref> The naming of species in the genus Musa, family Musaceae, is a complex business. See more, including the taxonomic history, at [[Musa]].</ref> Originating in [[Southeast Asia]], they have become so intrinsic to the diets of [[Africa|Africans]] and [[South America|South Americans]] that many people mistakenly believe them to be native. The overwhelming majority of bananas are shades of yellow when ripe, but there are also red, pink and purple species. They are long and curved in shape and grow in bunches called ''hands'' with each individual fruit measuring 7-9 inches in length. | ||
Of the more than 500 banana varieties grown worldwide, the most commonly consumed variety is the [[Cavendish banana|Cavendish]], which are grown in [[Africa]], [[Latin America]], and | Of the more than 500 banana varieties grown worldwide, the most commonly consumed variety is the [[Cavendish banana|Cavendish]], which are grown in [[Africa]], [[Latin America]], and Southeast Asia. They are a [[triploid]] version of the wild species ''Musa acuminata'' and consequently have the desirable seedless trait. Since they are sterile, Cavendish variety banana plants are clones from an original plant and consequently lack [[genetic diversity]] and are susceptible to [[plant disease|disease]]. This and [[habitat]] destruction have led to fears amongst the scientific community that the days of the banana are numbered. A similar fate befell the predecessor to the Cavendish, the [[Gros Michel]], which was wiped out by [[Panama disease]] in 1960's. A further problem is that all new plants must be grown from cuttings - so new disease resistant [[hybridization|hybrids]] cannot be made by breeding the Cavendish variety with wild relatives.<ref>''[[New Scientist]]'': '[http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/mg19025513.700-a-future-with-no-bananas.html A future with no bananas?]'. 13th May 2006. ''Login required to access the full article''.</ref> | ||
== | ==History== | ||
The origins of the banana point to the jungles of [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], and the [[Philippines]]. The banana first appeared in [[India]] in ancient [[Buddhist]] texts during the 6th century BC. It is believed to have been brought to East Africa by Indonesian travelers in 500 BC. It was later brought to the [[Mediterranean]] region by Arab conquest in 650 AD. The Musa is believed to be the "tree of paradise" that is mentioned in the [[Koran]]. | |||
==Culinary usage== | |||
Besides being eaten all over the world as a wholesome snack at any time of day, bananas lend themselves well to cooking, particularly in cakes or loaves generally known as [[Banana bread|banana bread]]. Some varieties are used as main courses and side dishes, many more are the chief ingredients in snacks and desserts including a wide array of puddings and cakes. Bananas work well with citrus and other tropical fruits, as well as flavorful seasonings such as [[curry]], [[cinnamon]], and [[ginger]].<ref>See also [http://www.banana.com/recipes.html banana.com] for recipes.</ref> They can also be dried, either in the open air or by other means, and enjoyed individually or as part of a [[trail mix]]. | Besides being eaten all over the world as a wholesome snack at any time of day, bananas lend themselves well to cooking, particularly in cakes or loaves generally known as [[Banana bread|banana bread]]. Some varieties are used as main courses and side dishes, many more are the chief ingredients in snacks and desserts including a wide array of puddings and cakes. Bananas work well with citrus and other tropical fruits, as well as flavorful seasonings such as [[curry]], [[cinnamon]], and [[ginger]].<ref>See also [http://www.banana.com/recipes.html banana.com] for recipes.</ref> They can also be dried, either in the open air or by other means, and enjoyed individually or as part of a [[trail mix]]. | ||
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[[Plantain]]s are in the same genus as bananas but are a different species. In some languages, all musas are lumped together as differing varieties of “bananas”. | [[Plantain]]s are in the same genus as bananas but are a different species. In some languages, all musas are lumped together as differing varieties of “bananas”. | ||
[[Image:Banana flower.jpg|right|thumb|200px|{{#ifexist:Template:Banana flower.jpg/credit|{{Banana flower.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}Flower and green fruit on banana tree.]] | [[Image:Banana flower.jpg|right|thumb|200px|{{#ifexist:Template:Banana flower.jpg/credit|{{Banana flower.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}Flower and green fruit on banana tree.]] | ||
==Nutritional facts== | ==Nutritional facts== | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
==Horticulture== | |||
Bananas make interesting [[specimen tree|specimen]] plants. They are [[tropics|tropical]] plants, which makes them a challenge to grow in temperate areas. They therefore have a lot of interest for [[garden|gardeners]]. Some varieties of banana can survive in sub-tropical climates, others can be successfully grown indoors in [[container garden|pots]] or tubs. A recent (2007) segment on the ''Gardening Australia'' television program featured a very tall, fruiting banana tree growing in the gardener's living room. | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 16:25, 27 February 2009
Bananas are the fruit of a wide range of species in the Musa taxonomic genus.[1] Originating in Southeast Asia, they have become so intrinsic to the diets of Africans and South Americans that many people mistakenly believe them to be native. The overwhelming majority of bananas are shades of yellow when ripe, but there are also red, pink and purple species. They are long and curved in shape and grow in bunches called hands with each individual fruit measuring 7-9 inches in length.
Of the more than 500 banana varieties grown worldwide, the most commonly consumed variety is the Cavendish, which are grown in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. They are a triploid version of the wild species Musa acuminata and consequently have the desirable seedless trait. Since they are sterile, Cavendish variety banana plants are clones from an original plant and consequently lack genetic diversity and are susceptible to disease. This and habitat destruction have led to fears amongst the scientific community that the days of the banana are numbered. A similar fate befell the predecessor to the Cavendish, the Gros Michel, which was wiped out by Panama disease in 1960's. A further problem is that all new plants must be grown from cuttings - so new disease resistant hybrids cannot be made by breeding the Cavendish variety with wild relatives.[2]
History
The origins of the banana point to the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The banana first appeared in India in ancient Buddhist texts during the 6th century BC. It is believed to have been brought to East Africa by Indonesian travelers in 500 BC. It was later brought to the Mediterranean region by Arab conquest in 650 AD. The Musa is believed to be the "tree of paradise" that is mentioned in the Koran.
Culinary usage
Besides being eaten all over the world as a wholesome snack at any time of day, bananas lend themselves well to cooking, particularly in cakes or loaves generally known as banana bread. Some varieties are used as main courses and side dishes, many more are the chief ingredients in snacks and desserts including a wide array of puddings and cakes. Bananas work well with citrus and other tropical fruits, as well as flavorful seasonings such as curry, cinnamon, and ginger.[3] They can also be dried, either in the open air or by other means, and enjoyed individually or as part of a trail mix.
Green bananas
Although all unripe bananas are green in color, the term “green banana” usually refers to species of musa that are edible, but, due to a lack of customary banana texture and sweetness, are used for cooking rather than being eaten fresh. In southern Uganda, a variety called matoke was so widely used that it is now recognized and eaten all over the country. In many countries, green bananas are vital to the local economy as a cash crop. In India they are used in various ways—in the South as banana chips, in the East as an essential ingredient of shukto.
Banana leaves
In several cultures, banana leaves are used as wraps in which other foods are boiled, steamed, fried or roasted. The leaves keep the ingredients moist, flavourful and fragrant.
Banana and plantain leaves are also used as plates, trays and packaging.
Plantains
Plantains are in the same genus as bananas but are a different species. In some languages, all musas are lumped together as differing varieties of “bananas”.
Nutritional facts
Bananas are rich in iron and potassium salts. Milk and bananas therefore complement each other and form a sort of complete food. The rich content of potassium salts make it a part of recommended diet for hypertensive patients. Bananas are extremely low in fat and are a good source of fiber. A medium-sized banana contains approximately 105 calories.[4]
Horticulture
Bananas make interesting specimen plants. They are tropical plants, which makes them a challenge to grow in temperate areas. They therefore have a lot of interest for gardeners. Some varieties of banana can survive in sub-tropical climates, others can be successfully grown indoors in pots or tubs. A recent (2007) segment on the Gardening Australia television program featured a very tall, fruiting banana tree growing in the gardener's living room.
Notes
- ↑ The naming of species in the genus Musa, family Musaceae, is a complex business. See more, including the taxonomic history, at Musa.
- ↑ New Scientist: 'A future with no bananas?'. 13th May 2006. Login required to access the full article.
- ↑ See also banana.com for recipes.
- ↑ Nutrition Facts and Analysis for bananas, from NutritionData.com. Retrieved on 2009-02-05.