The All Powerful Banana

Bananas have been a staple in kitchens for over one hundred years. It's usually the first treat we eat and one of the first fruits we use as an ingredients It's the snack we carry to school or the office.Bananas also are packed with nutrients - the perfect fruit. It even has its' own carrying case.

Surprisingly a banana is a berry growing from a large herbaceous plant.Since the plant body is large and thick, banana plants are often mistaken for trees. The leaves are comprised of a stalk and a blade. There are the dessert or Cavendish kind which are bright yellow or the plaintain. The last is usually grilled, baked or fried, usually sliced wafer thin and deep fried until they resemble  potato chips. Bananas are one of the world's oldest fruit, going back to 8000 BCE. The seeds traveled westward, across the Indian Ocean to Africa, where the Wolof  tribe named it banaana. The Portuguese took it to western Africa and New World where banana plantations sprang up in Brazil. The plant also thrived in Jamaica where most banana plantations began.There is the myth that bananas are high in potassium which is not true. They are packed with nutrients that aid in heart health, thanks to being high in pectin, a much needed fiber. Americans eat mostly the deep yellow Cavendish variety, named for William Cavendish, the sixth duke of Devonshire. He introduced them to England in 1834, when only the aristocracy could afford them. Now they're in  every one's kitchens, Shoppers can buy them green and let them ripen in a paper bag with either a tomato or an apple.

Bananas are a baker's delight. The most common treat is banana bread. Many novice bakers usually try a banana bread as their first effort. It is an easy bake, with a tasty mix of ripe bananas, brown sugar and walnuts mixed with butter, flour , baking soda and eggs. The batter is poured into a greased loaf pan and baked for about an hour. It's the perfect brunch bread, sliced and slathered with cream cheese,For those in a hurry there are the instant mixes that only require eggs, vegetable oil and water., The flavor won't be as genuine because there's dried banana instead of fresh,. They can also be turned into tasty muffins and cakes too.Melissa Clark gave a decadent banana cake recipe in the Wednesday New York Times Food section. Hers is a rich , lush one  made with roasted(!) in their skin fruit.Lime juice and coconut are also added for a tropical flavor along with sour cream for richness.It's frosted with a coconut cream cream cheese frosting. and sprinkled with a generous amount of toasted coconut flakes. Of course bananas can be turned into healthy and tasty smoothies. Try one with yogurt along with skin milk for a refreshing sip after a walk or afternoon drink to wash down veggies and dip, Honey and wheat germ give it more of a good for you boost. You can also add some strawberries and swap out the honey for  chocolate syrup.Try a coffee banana one  sweetened with agave nectar. Greek yogurt gives it its' creaminess

Bananas are the perfect ingredient or snack. They fun to eat as well as being a great ingredient that add rich flavor to anything from cakes to breads and muffins to smoothies.Always have this versatile fruit in the kitchen.