What is the nutritional value of bananas?
Did you know that the word BANAN is Arabic for finger and that bananas originated in Malaysia?
Bananas are not only nutritious, they come already ‘wrapped’ so they are easy to pack and carry.
We know that bananas are easy to eat and are a favourite fruit for many.
What is the nutritional value of bananas?
Bananas contain natural sugars, so provide energy that can last for quite a while. But energy isn’t the only thing that bananas contribute.
Bananas are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. They also contain vitamin C and fibre. Bananas are low in sodium
Ripen bananas at room temperature. Bananas can be kept in the refrigerator to help stop them from becoming too ripe. The skin will go black but the banana inside is fine.
Bananas are versatile. They can be eaten in so many ways:
- Cut up on breakfast cereal
- Mixed with milk they make a great smoothie drink or milkshake
- They go into sweet curries
- In a cake or muffin recipe
- Banana custard is an easy (and time honoured) dessert
- They make a good snack food when you are hungry
- Good for morning or afternoon tea
- Great on toast especially if there is peanut butter underneath the mashed banana.
- A banana sandwich made using 1 medium banana, 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter and 2 slices of wholemeal bread will provide about 17 grams of protein and 7 grams of fibre.
(One egg provides about 7 grams of protein) - Bananas can be barbequed or baked. Best not to use overly ripe ones. Leave the skin on and wrap tightly in alfoil. Before wrapping you could make a split in the side of the banana and pour in some honey, butter or brown sugar. Cook for 5 – 10 minutes using moderate heat. If barbequing, turn over at least once
