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Bananas grow, not on trees, but on tall plants about 25 feet high. Each stem or shoot from the trunk of the plant produces about 10 "hands" with about 12 "fingers" or bananas on each. The entire stem, which produces fruit only once, is trimmed off and the individual hands are packaged for shipping. [www.QinSen.com]
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Varieties: [www.QinSen.com]
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Yellow or Cavendish [www.QinSen.com]
There are hundreds of banana species but the yellow is America's favorite. Choose plump, evenly colored yellow bananas flecked with tiny brown specks (a sign of ripeness). [www.QinSen.com]
Baby
These exotic baby bananas are a unique variety of fruit originating from the jungles of Colombia. Called the Murapo in that part of the world, they are a favorite of the local population. Measuring just over 3 inches in length,these bananas are one of the smallest of all varieties currently being shipped commercially anywhere in the world.
Guinea Verde
An unprocessed yellow or cavendish. Use like a potato (mash, boil or fry).
Macabu
It's smaller and chunkier than a "regular" banana. They should be fully ripened until the yellow begins to turn black. When very ripe, the pulp will be firm, not "mushy," when it can be enjoyed for its wonderfully sweet taste and creamy texture.
Manzano
A short, chubby banana. It is green when unripe, but black at its peak of flavor. It has a delicious strawberry-apple-banana flavor.
Petite
Smaller than a baby banana (it's about 4 ounces) with the same flavor as the cavendish. Usually not available in bunches. Sold in single units by the pound. Another informal name for them is "institutional" bananas because they are shipped to nursing homes, included as a part of school lunches, or used when a small portion is required.
Storage:
To ripen, keep uncovered at room temperature. For speedy ripening, enclose bananas in a brown paper bag.

Uses & Preparations:

All bananas should be peeled.
Slice or enjoy whole.
All bananas will discolor quickly after cutting. Use a lemon juice and water mixture to dip slices for salads or pies.
Slice in cereal or fruit salads.
Make blender drinks.
Make pies and cakes.
Saut¨¦ as a side dish seasoned with spices like cinnamon or curry.
Availability:
Mostly year-round.

Nutrition Information:

Low in fat
Sodium and cholesterol free
Good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium