Banana Facts

Learn some banana facts and banana nutrition information.

Probably the most essential nutrient that bananas hold - and that most people are familiar with - is that it contains the mineral potassium.



How to buy: Many stores sell green bananas as they continue to ripen after picking. They're the only fruit that develops better color, sweetness and texture after picking.

Some more facts about bananas - if you prefer buying yellow bananas - use them within a few days. Watch for bruises, or a dull, grey color. If they're grey, it means they were chilled at some point or overheated during storage.

How to store: If they're already yellow, or are green and you're waiting for them to ripen, store them on the counter top. Make sure to eat them before they become over-ripe and turn brown.

Bananas can be stored in the refrigerator to keep them from ripening too fast, but they may turn brown. Although they'll look unappetizing, you can still eat them.

Try wrapping them in a paper towel before placing them in the refrigerator - this may prevent them from turning brown.

Hungry for banana recipes? Try a recipe or smoothie.

Bananas are native to Southeast Asia and Australia, but now are grown throughout the tropics. They grow in bunches of green, yellow, even red. Made of 75% water and 25% dry matter, they are eaten raw and may also be dried to be eaten as snack food.

They're grown in about 107 countries and enjoyed in many more - they're one of the world's most popular fruit!

An interesting fact: They do NOT grow on trees - they grow on large, upright stems and are considered an herb (the world's largest!).

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