Banana
Harvested all year round in the French Caribbean, with no real season.
- Season: all year round
- Botanical family: Musaceae
History
Native to South-East Asia and New Guinea, the banana travelled to Africa, then to the Caribbean in the 16th century with Portuguese and Spanish sailors. It became a common fruit in France in the early 20th century, thanks to refrigerated ships.
Origin and growing regions
French bananas are grown all year round in the French Caribbean:
- Guadeloupe
- Martinique
Bananas from the French Caribbean are grown to some of the strictest pesticide standards in the world.
Benefits
The banana is the energy fruit:
- Potassium and magnesium: They support healthy muscle function.
- Vitamin B6: Present in good amounts.
- Carbohydrates: About 90 kcal per 100 g, ideal for athletes.
- Fibre: More of it when the banana is less ripe.
Varieties
- Cavendish: The world’s best seller.
- Plantain: Eaten cooked, like a vegetable.
- Frécinette: Small, apple taste.
- Red banana: Red skin, creamy flesh.
Zero waste
- Storing: At room temperature, away from other fruit, never in the fridge: 4 to 6 days.
- Freezing: Peeled, sliced: up to 6 months, ideal for smoothies and ice cream.
- Nothing goes to waste: Black bananas are the best for banana bread, pancakes or “nice cream”.