Types of Bananas

 Across the world there are over 1000 different types of bananas that is then subdivided down into 50 different groups. I have chosen the 5 most popular bananas to go into further detail about, they are the Red Banana, Baby/Nino Banana, Burro Banana, Manzano Banana and the Cavendish Banana.

Red Banana
The Red Banana gets its name from the red colour of its banana skin and the pink flesh. These bananas are found mainly in Mexico
but have also been largely found in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Islands due to the tropical temperatures. This banana is full of vitamin C, vitamin B and potassium. Its low fat, cholesterol free, low in salt and is a source of fibre. Its is renowned for its sweet taste and creamy texture, it is slightly shorter and wider than the average banana.

Baby/Nino Banana
Baby Bananas can be found all around the world but they are native to Columbia. They are called baby bananas because they are shorter than the average banana. When you first purchase a Baby Banana it will be of a greenish hue. This just means that it is beginning to ripen, after a couple of days the banana will become yellow and fit for consumption. The banana skin will then start to go brown although this colour is off putting I doesn't effect the flavour of the banana. This banana is full of vitamin c, vitamin b and potassium. Its also known as the ladyfinger banana the largest producers of this banana is a company called Chiquita. This banana is sold largely as a snack for children.

Burro Banana
Also known as the Chunky banana these bananas are shorter and more square than the regular banana. When ripe these bananas are yellow with black spots and have a zesty lemon tinge to their flavour. One of these bananas are only 95 calories and can restore a persons potassium amounts in a single banana. They originated from Mexico but can be found in many other countries all year round.

Manzano Banana
This banana is usually grown in Asia, South America, Mexico, Caribbean, and Africa. Its stubby and thick skinned and is also known as the Apple banana. It contains 8 amino acids that our body's cant produce. It is smaller and sweeter with an apple/strawberry flavour. These bananas turn a dark yellow when ripe and tend to ripen much faster than regular bananas. They also contain high amounts of fibre, potassium and vitamin c.

Cavendish Banana

This banana is the most well known and popular banana, I have referred to this banana as a regular banana throughout this blogpost. When buying this banana it is best to buy it slightly green and allow it to ripen. This banana can be used in numerous dishes for example pancakes, muffins and smoothies to name a few. These bananas are most likely the bananas on the shelves in your local supermarket.  

Credits:

http://nutritionthetruth.blogspot.ie/2010/10/differnt-types-of-bananas.html


image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_banana https://pixabay.com/en/photos/banana%20plant/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana
https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.com/2016/01/13/demise-of-the-clones/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3414918/Facing-extinction-banana-Britain-gave-world-Cavendish-species-threat-deadly-disease-sweeping-world-s-crops.htm