Banana is a perenial monocot plant that is produced all year round, a major crop in the world and a staple food to many communities in the tropical climate playing an important role in food security.
Banana thrives in humid, tropical climate or subtropical climate that have an average of 1000mm of rainfall annually. Bananas contribute positively to our health because it is a good source of potassium and energy and also to the economy through exportation.
Different kinds of bananas
There are two kinds of bananas available; plantain and the dessert bananas.
Plantains are starchy and are usually boiled, roasted, grilled or fried to make them palatable. Desert bananas are usually consumed when they are ripe and are easily digestible.
Banana varieties
Banana varieties can be categorized based on the mode of utilization. These varieties vary depending on the region and area where the bananas are planted.
Examples of dessert bananas, include Gros Michel, Williams hybrid, apple, la canta, dwarf and the Giant cavendish.
Plantain bananas need to be cooked before consumption. Examples of plantain bananas include, Ngombe, Muta hato, and the ugandan green.
Dual purpose varieties can either be consumed raw or cooked before eating. Examples include muuran, goldfinger, bokoboko and mkono wa tembo.
