Banana (Musa acuminata / Musa spp.)

Banana is a large herbaceous perennial plant producing elongated, curved fruits arranged in clusters known as “hands,” which together form a bunch. Despite its tree-like appearance, the banana plant lacks a woody trunk; instead, it has a pseudostem formed by tightly packed leaf sheaths. The fruit develops parthenocarpically (without fertilization), which is why cultivated bananas are seedless. Banana flesh is soft, creamy, and mildly sweet when ripe, while unripe bananas are starchy. The peel color changes from green to yellow as starch converts into sugars during ripening. Bananas are climacteric fruits and produce significant ethylene, accelerating ripening. The fruit’s texture and flavor depend on cultivar, maturity stage, and growing conditions. Bananas have a high moisture content and are highly digestible, making them ideal for all age groups. Their carbohydrate-rich nature provides instant energy, which is why bananas are often consumed by athletes and laborers.

Bananas originated in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea, with domestication dating back over 7,000 years. Early bananas contained large seeds, but selective cultivation favored seedless varieties. The fruit spread to Africa through ancient trade routes and later to the Americas via Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Bananas became a global staple due to their adaptability, high yield, and nutritional value. Commercial banana cultivation expanded rapidly in the 19th century, particularly in tropical regions. Today, bananas are one of the most consumed fruits worldwide and a major food crop in developing countries. India and China are the largest producers. Genetic uniformity in commercial varieties like Cavendish has made bananas vulnerable to diseases such as Panama disease, driving modern research into resistant cultivars using biotechnology.

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Zingiberales

• Family: Musaceae

• Genus: Musa

• Species: Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana

• Energy: 89 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22.8 g

• Sugars: 12 g

• Fiber: 2.6 g

• Potassium: 358 mg

• Vitamin B6: 0.4 mg

• Magnesium: 27 mg

Improves digestion, supports heart health, enhances energy levels, regulates blood pressure, and supports nervous system function.