This is part 5 of my posts all about Hawaiian fruit. And who doesn’t love bananas??
Bananas grow on plants that can reach nearly 30 feet tall. But don’t mistake them for trees—they are not! They are actually perennial herbs. Interesting, huh? The part that looks like a trunk is called a pseudostem made of compacted leaves.
Bananas are 75% water and a great source of potassium and vitamin B.
Originating in Malaysia, bananas were first brought to Hawaii as one of the staple crops on journeys from the South Pacific to Hawaii.
Leaves can grow up to 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. In some countries they are used as umbrellas because of their size and they are waterproof.
I used a much smaller leaf to cook my Kalua Pork. Check out my recipe page (or click to go to my post from October 7, 2010) and try it in your oven or on a smoker (I used our Traeger grill.)
Why do we love to eat bananas? Because they have a peel! (I know—groan!)
Join me on Thursday for more fun with fruit!
Mahalo for visiting!
Cheryl
Wow, so interesting! I don't like bananas but we do have a banana tree. It doesn't grow real big though and rarely has fruit. Great facts, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to have a banana tree! Man, do I ever need to be in the tropics. Blessings to you, Jessica, and thanks for your support!
ReplyDeleteCheryl... VERY interesting and fun post! Learned a lot and chuckled at your joke :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Deb
Glad you liked the joke, Deb! I'm learning as much as you guys about all these fruits. Stay tuned--recipes coming shortly!
ReplyDelete