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

15 Minutes Or Less Low Cholesterol Low Protein Beverages

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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For 1 Or 2 15 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie Healthy 2

A Mouth Watering Smoothie

Escape the ordinary with this incredibly refreshing smoothie! Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or post-workout treat. You haven't lived until you've tried one!

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Low In Something Equipment Oven Time To Make

All Bran Banana Bread

This incredibly moist and delicious All-Bran Banana Bread is a game-changer! Made with the classic All-Bran recipe as a base, this recipe is perfectly balanced – low in fat, high in fiber, and bursting with banana flavor. Warm it up and enjoy a slice with your favorite jam or peanut butter for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both healthy and utterly irresistible!

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Weeknight Dietary Number Of Servings Equipment

Almond Fudge Banana Cake

Indulge in this decadent Almond Fudge Banana Cake! This moist and flavorful cake is bursting with the rich taste of almonds and perfectly ripe bananas, topped with a luscious glaze. A family favorite recipe that's sure to become a new tradition. Easy to follow instructions for a guaranteed delicious result!

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For 1 Or 2 Presentation Asian Inexpensive

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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Presentation Dietary Low Carb For 1 Or 2

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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4 Hours Or Less Cakes 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Apricot Banana Squares

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! These Apricot Banana Squares are the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas and create a delicious, moist, and subtly sweet treat. Grandma's secret ingredient? Apricot preserves! Get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful squares – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Time To Make

Asian Orange Juice

A vibrant and refreshing Asian-inspired orange juice with a secret ingredient: ginger! This surprisingly healthy drink is perfectly balanced – not too thick, not too thin – and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The subtle ginger adds a unique twist that nobody will guess, making it a delicious and unexpected treat. Perfect for a hot day or anytime you need a healthy boost!

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Low Calorie 5 Ingredients Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

B B O J Smoothie

Creamy, dreamy, and dairy-free! This vibrant Blackberry Banana Orange Juice (BBOJ) smoothie is bursting with fresh fruit flavor. Blackberries provide a stunning color and antioxidants, while bananas create a naturally thick and rich texture. Ready in minutes, this quick and healthy smoothie is the perfect breakfast, snack, or post-workout treat! #BBOSmoothie #BlackberrySmoothie #DairyFreeSmoothie #HealthySmoothie #QuickRecipe #EasyRecipe #BreakfastSmoothie

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Main Ingredient Course Desserts Beginner Cook

Baked Peanut Butter Banana Split Light

This ridiculously easy recipe transforms humble bananas into a warm, gooey, peanut butter-filled delight! Imagine: baked bananas oozing with peanut butter, paired with your favorite ice cream and drizzled with rich toppings. It's a quick, 20-minute dessert that's way more impressive than it is difficult. (Note: Bananas will brown slightly when baked.)

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Preparation Easy Course American

Banana Cake

Say goodbye to dry banana bread! This unbelievably moist banana cake recipe uses super ripe bananas for maximum flavor and texture. Perfect on its own or topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting (recipe not included). Get ready for the most delicious banana cake you've ever tasted!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Preparation Low Calorie Easy

Banana Blueberry Shake

Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor! This Banana Blueberry Bliss Shake is the perfect healthy treat. Blend ripe bananas, juicy blueberries, and a touch of honey for a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or post-workout fuel. Customize it with extra banana for a more intense banana flavor or substitute with your favorite berries for a unique twist! Get ready for a taste of pure bliss!

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Breakfast Breads 4 Hours Or Less Quick Breads

Banana Bread Low Fat High Fiber

This irresistible banana bread recipe is a family favorite! We've taken the classic flax banana bread and supercharged it with whole grains for extra fiber and reduced the fat for a healthier twist. Moist, delicious, and hearty – even picky eaters will gobble this up! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a guilt-free dessert.

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Preparation Fruit European Occasion

Banana Bread Pudding

Indulge in this irresistible Banana Bread Pudding recipe! Perfectly spiced and brimming with caramelized bananas, this comforting dessert is unbelievably easy to make. A classic recipe elevated with a luscious, homemade vanilla sauce. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Inexpensive 60 Minutes Or Less To Go

Banana Cake With Orange Icing

This isn't your grandma's banana bread! Our Zesty Banana Cake bursts with citrus flavor thanks to a bright orange icing and a hint of orange zest in the cake itself. Lower in fat than many banana cakes, it's deliciously moist and naturally sweet. Feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor – it's amazing! Bake it in a tube pan or a 9x9 inch square pan; it's versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Course Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Desserts

Banana Caramel Pecan Crepes

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of warm banana caramel pecan crepes! This easy-to-follow recipe creates a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Flaky crepes filled with caramelized bananas, crunchy pecans, and a rich caramel drizzle – pure bliss in every bite!

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Preparation Course 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Banana Caramel Self Saucing Pudding

Indulge in the ultimate sticky dessert sensation! This Banana Caramel Self-Saucing Pudding combines the creamy sweetness of bananas with rich, gooey caramel for a tastebud tango you won't forget. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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30 Minutes Or Less American Quick Breads Breakfast

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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