Bananas and plantains

The original banana grew in South East Asia but contained many bitter black seeds so that they would have been almost inedible. They are recorded in the reports of Alexander the Great in India where they were introduced by 600 bc. Cultivation of bananas 

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Banana and plantain soothe the stomach. They are good for dyspepsia (upset stomach), strengthen the stomach lining against acid and ulcers, and have antibiotic activity. 

Ripe bananas are peeled and then eaten whole, sliced, mashed, baked, or dipped in batter and fried. Starchy green bananas and plantains may be made digestible by cooking— baking, boiling or frying. 

Viljoen A., Kunert K., Kiggundu A. and Escalant J.V. 2004. Biotechnology for sustainable banana and plantain production in Africa the South African contribution. South African Journal of Botany 70, 67-74. 

There are a great many other tropical plants from which starch could be extracted, such as the unripe fruit of the plantain and banana, and the tuber of the diascorea or yam, the former of which is stated to affbrd seventeen per cent, of stareh, aud the latter nearly twenty-three per cent,... 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE. Fresh bananas contain about 70 g of water, 1 g of protein, and 25 g of carbohydrate per 100 g (3 1/2 oz about one banana), and contribute about 85 to 100 Calories (kcal) of energy. They are good sources of potassium and vitamin A, and a fair source of vitamin C. Dried banana flakes contain only 3% water hence, many of the nutrients, including calories, are more concentrated. Each 100 g of banana flakes contains 340 Calories (kcal) of energy, 2.8 mg of iron, and 760 lU of vitamin A. More complete information regarding the nutritional value of several varieties of bananas, banana flakes, banana powder and plantains is presented in Food Composition Table F-21. 

Fig. F-71 shows that grapes, oranges, bananas, apples, watermelons, and plantains are by far the leading fruit crops of the world. It is noteworthy that most of these crops are produced in subtropical and tropical areas.

This citrus species is by far the leading fruit crop of the United States, and it is the second leading one of the world. (Grapes are first, and bananas, watermelons, and plantains follow in that order.)... 

Plantains belong to the banana family, Musaceae, which also includes bananas. The plantain is M. paradisiaca, while the common banana is M. paradisiaca, variety sapientum. Although plantains look like bananas, they have a higher starch content and a lower sugar content than bananas. 

Vasoactive and Psychoactive Amines and Alkaloids Most compounds produciag hypertensive episodes are classified as amines and are found ia greatest coaceatratioa ia banana, plantain, tomato, avocado, piaeapple, broad beans, and various cheeses. Amines that are vasoactive iaclude dopamine [31-61-6], CgH N02 tyramine (11) histamine [31-43-6], tryptamine [61-34-1], C2QH22N2 noradrenaline [31-41-2], CgH NO and... 

Appreciable delay of ripening and consequent enhancement of shelf life have been noted in some tropical fruits such as bananas, plantain, and mangoes after low-dose irradiation (0.2-0.7 kGy) [40,41]. Maximum delay of ripening has been observed with fruits of lower maturity. However, these feasible levels of doses are close to those that induce phytotoxicity, and many factors (varietal differences, the fruit s stage of maturity at the time of irradiation, etc.) make the outcome of the treatment uncertain. 

Most compounds producing hypertensive episodes are classified as amines and arc found in greatest concentration in banana, plantain, tomato, avocado, pineapple, broad beans, and various cheeses. Amines that are... 

Highland perennial based on perennial crops, e.g. banana, plantain, enset and coffee. Land use is intense, holdings are very small (<1 ha). Cattle are raised for milk, manure and social security. Major constraints are decreasing farm size, declining soil fertility and limited opportunities for off-farm activities. 

Fraits with a total disappearance of chlorophylls, usually having a characteristic yellow colour due to unmasked carotenes and xanthophylls following the degreening process (i.e., banana, plantain). 

The slightly curved, yellow or red fruit with firm creamy flesh—the banana—is familiar to many people. It represents one of the world s leading fruit crops, and the number one seller in the produce department of American supermarkets. Americans are most familiar with the large yellow, smooth skinned banana known as Cros Michel (Big Mike) or Martinique, and the Cavendish varieties. A smaller red-skinned variety is known as the Red Jamaica or Baracoa banana. Plantains are also a type of banana which are used more like a vegetable than a fruit. 

WORLD AND U.5. PRODUCTION. Statistically, plantains are never reliably distinguished from bananas. Nevertheless, they are an important fruit crop. World production totals 25,433 million metric tons and the leading plantain-producing countries are Uganda, Colombia, Rwanda, Zaire, Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Cote Divoire. ... 

Plantains are high in carbohydrates (over 30%) and they contain more energy than bananeis (more than 115 Calories [kcal] per 100 g versus 85 to 100 Calories [kcal] per 100 g for bananas). Also, they are an excellent source of potassium (385 mg/100 g), and a fair source of vitamin C. 

Best, R., Lewis, D.A. and Nasser, N. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of the unripe plantain banana Musa species). Brit. J. Pharmacol. 82, 107-116 (1984). 

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