First, some banana trivia.
- The banana “tree” is not really a tree, but a giant herb. The banana is the fruit of this herb.
- The cluster of bananas sold in supermarkets is a “hand” of bananas, while the individual bananas on the hand are called fingers.
- It is believed by many experts that bananas were the first fruit cultivated by humans. Worldwide, bananas are the fourth largest fruit crop.
- Alexander the Great first came across bananas in India in 327 B.C.
- Bananas were introduced to the United States at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Celebration, where they were sold wrapped in foil for 10 cents each.
- The average American consumes 28 pounds of bananas per year.
- India is the #1 banana producer in the world.
- In Uganda, bananas are such a big part of the diet that the same word, matooke, is used for both “food” and “banana.”
- The pejorative term “banana republic” was coined by American writer O. Henry. He used it in reference to Honduras, but the term became widely used in reference to any Latin American, Caribbean, or African country that was politically unstable, relied heavily on basic agriculture, and was not technologically advanced.
- The banana split was invented in 1904 by 23-year-old David Evans Strickler, an employee at the
Tassel Pharmacy soda fountain in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
So, why bananas? Actually my favorite breakfast lately has been a delicious banana wrap. It’s a whole wheat tortilla filled with half a banana, sliced, just under a ¼ cup of part-skim ricotta, ½ teaspoon honey (I probably use a bit more), some cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon chopped almonds (instead of the walnuts in the original recipe). Microwave it on high for 30-40 seconds. Delicious!
And since I was talking about bananas today, I thought I’d try roasted halibut with banana-orange relish for dinner last night. Very yummy, definitely one I’ll make again this summer. You can find the recipe on Kitchen Daily. I didn’t use halibut though, I think I used cod.
Good topic for B with some fascinating facts. I like bananas a lot and we probably get those more than any other fruit. Since my wife is from Ecuador we try to find bananas from there. She insists they are the best and I won’t argue that.
It must be kismet, because I’m eating a banana and going through some of the A to Z Challenge posts! LOVE bananas. My first year with the challenge and popping by to meet fellow bloggers. I never had halibut with bananas, must try.
Mmmmm…banana split.
Not sure about fish and bananas but a banana wrap sounds very enticing…I might use peanut butter rather than ricotta cheese, though…lol…
I like peanut butter and bananas on English muffins, maybe add some strawberries.
I had no idea…and I eat bananas almost everyday, including today. For me, the great miracle about bananas is that I eat them year around, even when the snow is falling and the wind is blowing.
I am a huge fan of bananas. The recipes you posted sound mouth watering. I am going to have to do the banana wrap one. That sounds like a great quick morning on the go meal.
The breakfast sounds so yummy! And yes I had a banana today 🙂
I love bananas! But, not if they’re slightly green – they have to be freckled and the only way to top a freckled banana is to cover it in ice and nuts and make a split!
Lynn 😀
I actually like them a little green. My husband would totally agree with you though.
This is so cute and I wish you would cook for me because I am cooking impaired!
Learn something new every day. I’m not much of a banana eater myself.
What a fun topic. I’m not a huge banana fan but this was interesting.
I tend not to eat bananas any more because a friend told me about a movie that exposes the horrible ways banana workers are treated…might be worth buying organic bananas!!
http://www.bananasthemovie.com/show/the-facts
Stopping by from the A to Z challenge.
Nice post! I will only eat bananas if they are perfect…lol…no bruising at all. The wrap looks yummy. I do like fried plantains, I think those are in the banana family.
I’ve only had fried plantains once. Loved them.
I had no idea a group was called a hand. Interesting trivia. (I also love that the phrase “banana trivia” appears here. It’s not often you see that wording!)
That wrap looks delicious. May have to try that one. I’m a big banana pudding fan, myself.
That wrap sounds delicious! And healthy. I may have to give a try. Gage ate a whole banana tonight while watching Puss in Boots 🙂
Your banana wrap sounds intriguing. I love them they’re my favorite fruit, best with peanut butter! Or frozen then tossed in the blender. A very good choice for a B word. 🙂
How perfect! A post on my favorite fruit. Love them with peanut butter. 🙂
Bananas are an herb? Didn’t know that
Love bananas, can’t have frosted flakes without them! The relish for the fish sounds so good, I’m going to have to try that out.
Cool stuff.
I find I get tired of fresh bananas if I pick them up too often, but I love banana muffins – and strawberry orange banana sugarfree punch! 🙂