Banana
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Major Growing Areas
Bananas are mainly cultivated in places such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ecuador, South America and Thailand. They are the most widely distributed and highest yielding tropical and subtropical fruit in the world.
Varieties
It is estimated that there are some three hundred varieties of bananas. The better known and commonly consumed ones include Latundan bananas, Plantain bananas, Sucrier bananas and Emperor bananas.
Nutritional Values
Bananas are rich in potassium and dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps promote bowel movements and prevent constipation.
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Per 100 g (Approx. 1 small-sized banana)
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| Energy |
89 kcal |
| Sugar |
12.2 g |
| Vitamin C |
8.7 mg |
| Dietary Fibre |
2.6 g |
| Potassium |
358 mg |
Buying Tips
It is advisable to buy bananas that are brightly coloured on the outside but greenish at both tips. A banana is ideally ripe when it possesses all these features. You can also give a banana a gentle squeeze. If you feel that the fruit is a bit hard, it is still unripe; if you feel that the banana is rather too soft, it means that it is overripe. Bananas should be stored at room temperature. They should not be refrigerated because low temperature will cause chilling injury.
Interesting Titbits
Since bananas are a highly nutritious source of various vitamins and minerals, they are nicknamed the "Fruit of Wisdom" and "Happy Fruit". However, bananas have a relatively large amount of carbohydrates and sugar. Patients with diabetes should eat bananas in moderation in accordance with the recommendations from doctors or dietitians.
One Serving of Fruit is Approximately Equivalent to:
½ large-sized banana
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