I will admit, this is my favorite fruit to grab in the morning or right before a good workout.
This used to be the only fruit that my mother could get me to eat by choice (yes, I'm a Southern boy, but I didn't care much for apple, peaches or strawberries until I got older and I still don't care for watermelon).
Even now, almost every time I go to the store, I have to grab a bunch of bananas to take with me.
If you don't like the taste or flavor of bananas alone (I'm surprised how many people tell me they hate bananas), don't worry. There are ways to mask the taste when you incorporate them into various other recipes ... but before we get into that, let's actually discuss the humble banana.
First off, bananas are a bit unusual for us here in America, because they don't grow here. Like at all. Like ANYWHERE! Why is this a big deal. Because, they technically means that they are never "in season" here and have to always be brought in from other countries. Where are they coming from then?
Most bananas are grown in warmer climates, mainly in subtropical regions of the world, where it is warm and moist most of the year (Florida doesn't count - we get at least two weeks of winter here!).
Of course, many people associate bananas with healthy eating, but why? How?
For one thing, they are a great source of potassium, which is great energy (eating at least two bananas will provide enough energy to power through a 90 minute workout), a wonderful source of vitamin C (like many other fruits) and, being low-calorie and carbs-heavy, it can make a person feel fuller for longer, which can help curb hunger.
Now, back to masking the taste. Because bananas can ripen quickly, keep in mind that you will want to use them sooner rather than later. Of course, bananas are a great way to incorporate into fruit salad, smoothies, and desserts. Imagine your favorite dish that usually uses any type of fruit and you most likely can add bananas to it.
One thing to be aware of; bananas are a softer fruit (texture-wise), so be sure than whatever recipe you incorporate them into can help maintain the flavor and don't end up becoming too mushy in the dish.
Here, We Are About the Love of Bananas ... so take a bite and let's power through the day!
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