Diet Blurbs

Bananas are the most popular fresh fruit in the U.S. They peel easily, continue to ripen after picking, available year round, and inexpensive.

A banana is the daily fruit of choice for many athletes because they are a high energy and potassium source.

Choose bananas that are firm, with a nice color and free of bruises. Avoid those with brown spots that seem very soft.

Best eating quality has been reached when the solid yellow skin color is speckled with brown. Those with green tips or little yellow color are not full flavored. You can tell when your banana is overripe by its strong smell, perfect ripeness for making banana bread.

A banana will ripen if left at room temperature for a couple of days. Once ripe you can store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The peel may turn brown, but the fruit is still good.

Cavendish is the very popular variety typically seen in your grocery store. However, Plantains, Finger Bananas and Red Bananas are also popular. Most have a soft texture when ripe.

For a refreshing summer fruit salad mix a 1/2 cup of sliced banana, chopped apple, chopped papaya, grapes and orange juice. A healthy addition to any barbecue.

The convenience of having a banana on the run adds to their potassium and energy source popularity. Have you had your banana today?

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