IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Totally
bananas Packed full of goodness, this delicious, energy-boosting fruit is a firm favourite worldwide – get the low-down here
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Did you know?
All bananas in store are Rainforest Alliance Certified™, supporting a healthier planet and an improved quality of life for farmers.
The banana is technically not a fruit: it’s the berry of a herb plant. There are hundreds of varieties, although the Cavendish is by far the most common.
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WORDS BRYONY BOWIE, ROB GOODWAY PHOTOGRAPHY ANT DUNCAN
Brought to the UK in the 1600s, bananas are now the nation’s favourite fruit – more than 5 billion are eaten every year.
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5 3 A source of fibre and vitamin C, bananas are also high in
potassium,
which helps build muscle and proteins, and is vital for a
healthy heart.
Perfe c t every time To stop bananas going brown, separate them and wrap each stem in clingfilm, to prevent most of the ethylene gas (which causes the fruit to ripen) from escaping. Freeze peeled, ripe bananas in an airtight container to use in smoothies or bakes.
Bearing fruit Find delicious banana recipes at tes.co/realfood