🌱 Introduction -

  • Banana is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Musaceae family.
  • It is one of the most consumed fruits worldwide.
  • The banana plant looks like a tree, but it is actually a large herbaceous plant (herb).

Origin and Production -

  • Bananas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia.
  • Major producers are India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Ecuador.
  • India is the largest producer of bananas in the world.

There are many varieties of bananas, mainly:

  1. Dessert Bananas – eaten ripe as fruit.
  2. Plantains (Raw Bananas) – used for cooking, chips, and other dishes.
  • Calories – 89
  • Carbohydrates – 23 g
  • Protein – 1.1 g
  • Fiber – 2.6 g
  • Rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium, and antioxidants.
  1. Instant Energy – contains natural sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose).
  2. Good for Digestion – fiber helps prevent constipation.
  3. Heart Health – potassium helps control blood pressure.
  4. Strong Bones – calcium and magnesium support bone strength.
  5. Mood Booster – contains tryptophan, which helps reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Eaten as a fruit (ripe or raw).
  • Used in banana chips, milkshakes, ice cream, cakes, and desserts.
  • Raw bananas are used in curries, koftas, and snacks.
  • Banana leaves are often used for serving food and in rituals/pujas.