Bananas vary in flavor from starchy to sweet, depending on their variety and ripeness. They are a staple in many tropical cuisines, where their leaves are often used as eco-friendly, disposable containers and plates. (Read more on Wikipedia.)
Storage Tips
Keep bananas at room temperature until ripened. Once ripened, bananas can be refrigerated for 3-5 days. Over ripe bananas can be put in freezer in a plastic bag and used for smoothies (still frozen) or banana bread (thawed).
Nutrition
While bananas are a good source of many vital nutrients (including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese), they are probably best known for their high potassium content. Potassium helps counteract the effects of salt on blood pressure, can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, and possibly decreases age-related bone loss. (Read more about potassium on Health.gov and get your banana nutrition facts at Self.com.)
Recipes
Banana-Blueberry Buttermilk Bread
Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Pear Ice Cream
Bananas Foster
Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding
ChopChop’s Banana Cream Pie Smoothie
Fluffy Banana Pancakes with Blueberry Granola
Frozen Banana Pops
Frozen Fruit Cups
Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie
Homemade Fruit Leather Roll-Ups
Kiwi-Banana “Cocktail” Smoothie
Nutmeg Banana Carrot Muffins with Chocolate Ganache
Peanut Butter and Banana Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Simple Frozen Banana Sorbet
Smashed Banana and Sweet Potatoes