The facts
Bananas grow in bunches and are harvested when they are fully developed but still slightly green to ensure they don't ripen too much and split. Bananas are longish and rounded with yellow skin and a whitish flesh. They have a sweet taste and become sweeter as they ripen. As they become over ripened brown spots will begin to appear on the skin.

The uses
Bananas are delicious cooked into cakes, bread and muffins. They can also be used in milkshakes and smoothies. Bananas can be eaten by themselves for a snack or cut up and used in fruit salads. For other banana dishes, try banana fritters or slice them thinly to make banana chips.

Choosing in store
Choose bananas that are bright and plump. If you don't want to use them straight away, you can choose them slightly green and they will ripen up over a few days. If they smell too strong they are already very ripe and may not last past one or two days but are fine for eating immediately.

Pair with
All other fruit, chocolate, coconut, honey, nuts.

Tip
Insert a skewer into the bottom of the banana, dip into melted chocolate and put in the freezer for homemade cold treats. 

Text by Jessica Sanford
Photography by Foodcollection

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