What is the origin of the red banana?
Both yellow and red bananas They belong to the same botanical species, Muse acumunite, which includes varieties that can be eaten raw and that, together with hybrids of Musa acuminata and Balbisian musemake up the entire family of futas that are called bananas or plantains.
The difference is that the yellow bananas from the Canary Islands with a designation of origin belong to cultivars of the Cavendish variety, such as Gran Enana, Zelig and Gruesa Palmera.. All these varieties are brought together under the official nomenclature Musa acuminata Dhaka Network
On the other hand, red bananas belong to the varieties Cuban Red, Jamaican Red and Spanish Red. In America these varieties are well known and are called red banana (Argentina), claret or purple or taffeta banana (Colombia), purple banana (Cuba), red banana (Puerto Rico), red or pink banana (Ecuador), red banana (Peru and Spain).
More than 20 years ago the first red banana seed, coming from Martinique, arrived to the Canary Islands with the help of the Canary Institute for Agrarian Research (ICIA). The fruit has adapted perfectly to the islands and also to the climate of areas of the peninsula such as Almuñécar (Granada).
Those consumed in the rest of Europe usually come from India, Brazil, Ecuador or Indonesia, but those from Spain They come from the Canary Islands and Almuñécar (Granada).
Red bananas turn out significantly more expensive because its production is small and its collection is more expensive. The price of a kilo comes out to just over 3 euros. But it is very possible that we find them more and more easily because the red banana plant is more resistant to «Panama disease», a fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) that threatens traditional Canarian varieties.
What do red bananas taste like and how are they eaten?
The red banana is smaller and thicker than the yellow one, the skin is also thicker, and the color becomes darker as it ripens (brown spots even appear in some varieties). The pulp is not that different: it is yellow with a slight touch of pink.
The taste of red bananas is different from that of ordinary yellow bananas. They are juicier, sweeter and have an aroma reminiscent of raspberries or red fruits.
Red bananas can be eaten raw, just like yellow ones. You won’t have to do anything differently, just peel them and enjoy a different flavor, but very rich. They are also very tasty cooked in sweet and savory dishes.
Are red bananas healthy?
The red color of these bananas is due to their content of antioxidant carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A in the body. The darker they are, more beta carotene and more vitamin C they contribute. This is the main nutritional difference compared to the yellow banana. The rest of the characteristics are very similar: they are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6.
Nutritional value
A small red banana of 100 g provides:
- Calories: 90 calories
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Potassium: 358 mg, 10% of the daily reference intake (Recommended Daily Intake, RDI)
- Beta carotene: 1,412 μg
- Vitamin B6: 0.6 mg, 28% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 8.7 mg, 15% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 28 mg, 8% of the RDI
Benefits of red banana
Due to its nutritional characteristics and healthy properties, the red banana offers different health benefits:
They promote the control of blood pressure and immunity
Research shows that eating more foods rich in potassium can help reduce blood pressure. A review of 22 studies found that eating more potassium reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number of a reading) by 7 mm Hg.
Another important mineral for blood pressure control ismagnesium. One small red banana provides approximately 8% of your daily needs for this mineral. A review of 10 studies noted that increasing your magnesium intake by 100 mg per day can lower your risk of high blood pressure by up to 5%.
Red bananas are rich in vitamins C and B6. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. One small red banana provides 9% and 28% of the RDIs for vitamins C and B6, respectively.
Very rich in prebiotic fiber
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Like yellow bananas, red bananas are a great source of prebiotic fiber, especially in fructooligosaccharides and inulin.
The preobiotic fiber in bananas can reduce bloating, increases bacterial diversity beneficial intestinal tract and combat constipation.
Lower glycemic index
Although red bananas are sweeter than yellow ones, their glycemic index is lower, so they contribute better to stability of blood glucose levels.
Is it an aphrodisiac?
For reasons that surely have to do with the form more than with the nutritional content or proven properties, in Central America and India, both the red banana and its juice have a reputation for being aphrodisiacs and fertility enhancers.
Recipe with red banana
Chicory salad with red bananas
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 2 tablespoons of flaked almonds
- 3 red chicories
- 3 red bananas
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
Elaboration:
1. Toast the flaked almonds in a fat-free frying pan and let them cool.
2. Remove the bitter end of the chicories and cut off the leaves.
3. Cut the bananas and orange into small pieces and mix them with the chicory.
4. Beat the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad.
6. Before serving, sprinkle the salad with the flaked almonds.
Other ways to incorporate red banana into your diet
- Blend them into a smoothie.
- Cut them into slices and add them as an ingredient to oat muesli.
- Freeze the red bananas and then put them through a blender to make homemade ice cream.
- Combine it with peanut butter on whole wheat toast.
- Add them to recipes for homemade muffins and cakes.