Bananas
By Jennifer A. Wickes
Copyright 2002
Geography
Bananas are only grown in hot, humid, tropical climates.
Science
Musaceae.
Varieties
There are hundreds of varieties of bananas grown around the world. The Cavendish is the most popular in the United States. Other varieties that may be found in specialty markets are: Burro, Blue Java, Dwarf, Manzano, Mysore, Orinoco and the Plantain.
How to Select
This is the only fruit that actually gets better if it is picked while it is unripe. When choosing a ripe banana, choose a plump yellow banana with brown flecks. Avoid any with blemishes.
Green bananas can be bought and allowed to ripen at home on the countertop, or they can be placed in a brown paper bag with holes pierced through it.
Storage
Store ripe bananas on the countertop for 3 days or in the refrigerator for several days. If you place the banana in the refrigerator, the skin will turn brown, but the actual fruit will be fine.
Nutritional Qualities
High in carbohydrates, low in fat, high in potassium and Vitamin C.
Bananas have been linked to aiding with depression, PMS, anemia, blood pressure, constipation, boosting brain power, hangovers, heartburn, morning sickness, nerves, ulcers, seasonal affective disorder, smoking, stress, strokes, lowering body temperature, obesity AND mosquito bites!
Trivia
Once peeled, a banana will turn brown fast! To avoid this from happening, brush the banana with lemon juice.
Over-ripe bananas may be frozen in a plastic bag until enough bananas have been saved to make banana bread! Thaw before using.
Wine Pairings
Zinfandel Blanc, Vouvray.
Equivalencies
1 lb. Fresh = 3 medium bananas = 2 cups sliced = 1 3/4 cup mashed = 1 cup dried
Additional Information
http://www.uffva.org
Recipes
Impossible Banana Cream Pie
Recipe By: Public domain recipes converted from Meal Master format
1 cup milk
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar -- granulated
1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix
2 bananas -- medium, sliced
1 cup whipping cream -- chilled
2 tablespoons sugar -- powdered
Preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease pie plate, 9 x 1 1/4". Beat milk, butter, vanilla, eggs, granulated sugar and Bisquick till smooth, 30 seconds in blender on High or 1 minute with hand beater. Pour into plate. Bake till knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool completely. Arrange bananas slices on pie. Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in chilled bowl till stiff; spread over top.
By Jennifer A. Wickes
Copyright 2002
Geography
Bananas are only grown in hot, humid, tropical climates.
Science
Musaceae.
Varieties
There are hundreds of varieties of bananas grown around the world. The Cavendish is the most popular in the United States. Other varieties that may be found in specialty markets are: Burro, Blue Java, Dwarf, Manzano, Mysore, Orinoco and the Plantain.
How to Select
This is the only fruit that actually gets better if it is picked while it is unripe. When choosing a ripe banana, choose a plump yellow banana with brown flecks. Avoid any with blemishes.
Green bananas can be bought and allowed to ripen at home on the countertop, or they can be placed in a brown paper bag with holes pierced through it.
Storage
Store ripe bananas on the countertop for 3 days or in the refrigerator for several days. If you place the banana in the refrigerator, the skin will turn brown, but the actual fruit will be fine.
Nutritional Qualities
High in carbohydrates, low in fat, high in potassium and Vitamin C.
Bananas have been linked to aiding with depression, PMS, anemia, blood pressure, constipation, boosting brain power, hangovers, heartburn, morning sickness, nerves, ulcers, seasonal affective disorder, smoking, stress, strokes, lowering body temperature, obesity AND mosquito bites!
Trivia
Once peeled, a banana will turn brown fast! To avoid this from happening, brush the banana with lemon juice.
Over-ripe bananas may be frozen in a plastic bag until enough bananas have been saved to make banana bread! Thaw before using.
Wine Pairings
Zinfandel Blanc, Vouvray.
Equivalencies
1 lb. Fresh = 3 medium bananas = 2 cups sliced = 1 3/4 cup mashed = 1 cup dried
Additional Information
http://www.uffva.org
Recipes
Impossible Banana Cream Pie
Recipe By: Public domain recipes converted from Meal Master format
1 cup milk
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar -- granulated
1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix
2 bananas -- medium, sliced
1 cup whipping cream -- chilled
2 tablespoons sugar -- powdered
Preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease pie plate, 9 x 1 1/4". Beat milk, butter, vanilla, eggs, granulated sugar and Bisquick till smooth, 30 seconds in blender on High or 1 minute with hand beater. Pour into plate. Bake till knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool completely. Arrange bananas slices on pie. Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in chilled bowl till stiff; spread over top.
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