Popular, Versatile Bananas

How to buy: Bananas may be purchased green, and many stores sell them that way, as they continue to ripen after picking. They are, in fact, the only fruit that develops better color, sweetness and texture after picking.

If you would rather buy them once they are yellow, you will have to use them within a few days. Be sure to watch for bruises, or a dull, grey color. If they are grey, it means that they were chilled at some point, or were overheated during storage.

How to store: If they are already yellow, or are green and you are waiting for them to ripen, you can store them on the counter top. Make sure you eat them before they become over-ripe and turn brown (and then black, yuck!)

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

They are native to Southeast Asia and Australia, but today are grown throughout the tropics. They grow in bunches of green, yellow and 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 are grown in at least 107 countries, and are enjoyed in many more than that- they are one of the world's most popular fruit!

An interesting fact: They do NOT grown on trees, as it is popularly believed. They grow on large, upright stems and are considered an herb (the world's largest!)

Now that you know all about this wonderful fruit, why not try a recipe using them? Or, if you aren't in the mood for baking, a smoothie may be just what you are looking for!

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