Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Sodium

Banana

Musa acuminata Allergen-Free
banana

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Musaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Tropical
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Banana plant fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The Fruit of Endless Possibilities"

Definition

An elongated, curved fruit with soft, sweet flesh and a peel, known for its potassium content and versatility.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Fruity
TextureSoft, Creamy
AromaFruity, Tropical
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

The fourth most important food crop in terms of global production.

Science Fact

Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, contributing to heart health and digestion.

Storage Tip

Store at room temperature; refrigerate ripe bananas to slow further ripening, skin will darken.

Nutrition Facts

Per 118 g (1 medium)
Calories89 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.1 g
Total Carbohydrate22.8 g
Dietary Fiber2.6 g
Total Sugars12.2 g
Calcium5 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium358 mg

Chef’s Secret

To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a paper bag with an apple or avocado; they release ethylene gas.

Substitutions

Best Match

Plantain

1:1

Starchier, less sweet; good for cooking but not raw substitution.

Avocado

1:1

Creamy texture, neutral flavor; good for smoothies or baked goods (fat replacement).

Apple Sauce

1:1 (puree)

Sweetness and moisture, but different texture and flavor.

Mango

1:1

Sweet, tropical flavor, soft texture; good for smoothies or fruit salads.

Buying Guide

Choose bananas that are firm and free of bruises. Green bananas are unripe, yellow with brown spots are ripe and sweet.

Flavor Pairings

Oatmeal Yogurt Smoothies Cereal Bread Ice Cream Curry

Recipes Using Banana

Low In Something Number Of Servings Low Calorie Low In Something

5 A Day Smoothie

Fuel your body with this vibrant and delicious 5-A-Day Power Smoothie! Packed with 2 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruit, this quick and easy recipe is the perfect way to get your daily dose of vitamins and antioxidants without any cooking. A refreshing orange-flavored blend that's both healthy and satisfying – perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout boost, or anytime snack!

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Pineapple Equipment Low In Something Pineapple

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

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Fruit Breakfast Occasion Easy

African Banana Coconut Bake

Indulge in this incredibly simple yet scrumptious African Banana Coconut Bake, a delightful treat straight from a Tunisian cookbook! Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe boasts a delectable blend of sweet bananas, toasted coconut, and a zesty citrus twist. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, unbelievably flavorful baked delight!

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Preparation Low Protein Main Ingredient African

African Dessert

A simple yet delightful African-inspired dessert, perfect for a quick and easy treat! This recipe, submitted for the Zaar World Tour 06, features sweet bananas baked to golden perfection with a hint of citrus and a crunchy coconut topping. Get ready to savor this tropical taste sensation in under 30 minutes!

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Asian Inexpensive Technique Side Dishes

Alton Brown's Bananas Foster

Indulge in this classic Bananas Foster recipe, perfected by culinary genius Alton Brown! This decadent dessert features perfectly caramelized bananas in a rich, spiced rum sauce – a fiery finale to any meal. Easy to follow instructions guide you to flambé perfection, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice. Serve over ice cream, waffles, or crepes for an unforgettable treat!

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For 1 Or 2 North American Smoothies 15 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Banana Smoothie

Start your day with a burst of sunshine and nutrients! This creamy, thick Apricot Banana Smoothie is packed with calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and carotenes. Made with plump, juicy dried apricots and nectar, crunchy cashews, and sweet raisins, it's the perfect healthy breakfast or lunch. We’ll show you how to rehydrate dried fruit for optimal flavor and texture. Get ready for a delicious and nutritious treat!

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Pork Fruit Tropical Fruit Pancakes And Waffles

Bacon Banana Pancakes

Craving a breakfast that's both sweet and savory? These Bacon Banana Pancakes deliver! Inspired by a popular pancake house, this recipe perfectly blends the salty crunch of bacon with the sweetness of ripe bananas. Imagine fluffy pancakes bursting with flavor, drizzled with warm maple syrup – pure breakfast bliss! Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe is a guaranteed weekend winner.

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Low Carb Taste Mood Low Sodium Sweet

Baked Banana With Lime

A simple yet sensational dessert recipe! This Baked Bananas with Lime recipe, inspired by a Ready Steady Cook creation, transforms ripe bananas into a caramelized, tangy treat in minutes. The perfect quick dessert or a delightful addition to your breakfast!

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North American 5 Ingredients Or Less Desserts North American

Baked Brown Sugar Bananas

Sweet and caramelized baked bananas – a simple yet irresistible dessert! This recipe uses brown sugar to create a rich, gooey topping that perfectly complements the soft, baked bananas. A touch of allspice adds warmth and complexity, hinting at notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Get ready for a taste of tropical sweetness in just 22 minutes!

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Breads Low Cholesterol Equipment Occasion

Banana And Kiwi Muffins

Moist, yummy, and not-too-sweet banana and kiwi muffins—perfect for a quick breakfast or healthy snack! This easy recipe makes 12 standard muffins or 24 mini muffins, bursting with fresh kiwi and banana flavor. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying treat!

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Course Course Breads Time To Make

Banana And Maple Muffins

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Quebec maple in these moist and delicious banana muffins! This recipe, from the Quebec Maple Federation, combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich taste of pure maple syrup and crunchy walnuts for a truly unforgettable treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.

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Appetizers Fruit Main Ingredient Appetizers

Banana Bliss Balls Raw Food

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these no-bake Banana Bliss Balls! A quick and easy raw vegan recipe perfect for a healthy snack or delightful dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, nuts, and coconut, these bliss balls are naturally sweet and deliciously satisfying. Get the recipe now and enjoy a guilt-free treat!

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Breads Course Number Of Servings Taste Mood

Banana Blueberry Mini Loaves

Moist and delicious Banana Blueberry Mini Loaves, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat! These loaves are freezer-friendly, making them ideal for using up overripe bananas. The secret? Frozen bananas add incredible moisture and sweetness without compromising flavor. Get ready for a burst of banana and blueberry goodness in every bite!

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Preparation Pancakes And Waffles Bananas Cuisine

Banana Bran Pancakes Diabetic

Start your Sunday with these delicious and healthy banana bran pancakes! Made without added sugar, these fluffy pancakes are sweetened naturally by ripe bananas and perfectly complemented with sugar-free maple syrup. A quick and easy breakfast recipe that's perfect for the whole family. Enjoy a guilt-free treat that's both satisfying and diabetic-friendly. Get ready for fluffy, flavourful pancakes in under 20 minutes!

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North American Breads Taste Mood 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Brunch Cake

Transform your overripe bananas into a deliciously moist and comforting brunch cake! This recipe, originally from an electric cooperative newsletter, is a family favorite. We've doubled the topping for extra deliciousness (per popular demand!). Perfect for using up those extra ripe bananas – simply freeze them whole (peel and all!), then defrost quickly in the microwave when ready to bake. Get ready for a warm, spiced cake with a crunchy, sweet topping – the perfect weekend treat!

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Time To Make Fruit Main Ingredient Cakes

Banana Cake With Most Excellent Caramel Frosting

Indulge in this unbelievably moist and delicious banana cake! Starting with a simple cake mix for convenience, this recipe elevates to homemade perfection with a rich, decadent penuche-style caramel frosting. Inspired by a treasured Oregonian newspaper clipping, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers unforgettable flavor. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Breakfast Equipment Muffins Time To Make

Banana Cardamom Muffins

These quick and easy Banana Cardamom Muffins are the perfect way to use up ripe bananas! Bursting with warm cardamom spice and moist banana flavor, they're a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade goodness in under 30 minutes!

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Time To Make Fruit Carrots 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Carrot Cake

This secret family recipe for moist banana carrot cake is a delightful twist on the classic, skipping the cream cheese frosting for a lighter, healthier treat! My husband raves about this cake – the subtle banana flavor perfectly complements the warm spices and carrots. It's incredibly moist and delicious, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, unbelievably tasty cake!

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