Where do bananas come from?
Bananas, those beloved tropical fruits, have an interesting origin story. They actually hail from the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. However, today they are grown in various tropical regions all over the world, from South and Central America to India, China, and Africa.
Did you know that banana plants are not trees, but rather giant herbs related to lilies and orchids? They grow in hot, tropical climates and have a unique growth pattern. The plant sprouts from a root clump called a rhizome, similar to a tulip bulb. With over 500 different types of bananas, the most commonly cultivated varieties are cooking bananas and plantains, which are the starchy cousins of the sweet banana. It’s astonishing to think that over 500 million people rely on the banana trade for their livelihood and to support their families.
In North America and Europe, the most popular type of banana is the dessert banana, also known as the Cavendish. Interestingly, when bananas were first introduced to Americans in the 1880s, they were considered an exotic luxury and were eaten with a knife and fork. Nowadays, the average person in the U.S. consumes more than 75 bananas per year. Oh, and did you know that tarantulas like to hide in banana leaves? Fascinating, isn’t it?
Bagging the Fruit
Around 14 days after the stem emerges, the weight of the growing bananas causes the stem to hang upside down. To protect the fruit from insects and sun damage, many farmers opt to cover it with a bag at this stage. Additionally, farmers provide support to the plant by tying it to neighboring plants using twine. This simple technique helps prevent the plant from toppling over due to the weight of the bananas.
Harvesting
After approximately 12 weeks of being bagged, the green-colored fruit is ready to be harvested. The harvesting process involves one worker cutting the stem from the plant while another stands below to catch the falling stem on their shoulder. Once a growth cycle is complete, the banana plant is cut down, and a new plant grows from the rhizome left behind.
The harvested bananas are then transported to the processing plant either by horse or by the diligent hands of workers. At this point, the plastic bags used for protection are recycled on Rainforest Alliance certified banana farms.
Processing
At the processing plant, skilled workers remove the bananas from their stems by hand and break them into smaller clusters. Delicately cutting the bananas is crucial to prevent breaking the skin, which could lead to rotting.
To ensure cleanliness, the workers submerge the bananas in large tanks of cold water. The cool water not only washes off sap and latex from the cut stems but also lowers the temperature of the bananas.
Afterward, the bananas are adorned with stickers and carefully packed in boxes to minimize bruising during transportation. These boxes are then loaded into refrigerated ships known as reefers. The storage area of the ship is kept cold enough to prevent the bananas from ripening, employing a technique known as “putting the bananas to sleep.”
From the Markets to Your Table
Upon arrival at their destination, the bananas are placed into ripening rooms for 3 to 8 days. This helps them achieve the desired ripeness before they are brought to the markets. Once ready, the bananas are loaded onto trucks and shipped off to be displayed on grocery shelves, eagerly awaiting banana lovers.
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Banana farmers who aspire to be certified through the Rainforest Alliance must adhere to strict standards. These standards include protecting ecosystems, conserving water, soil, and forests, providing decent working conditions for all workers along with safety training and protective equipment, maintaining positive relationships with local communities, and establishing an integrated waste management system.
Bananas, a delightful and versatile fruit, bring joy to millions of people around the world. From their exotic origins to the meticulous process of cultivation, harvesting, and processing, bananas truly have a remarkable journey from the bunch to your breakfast. So, the next time you enjoy a delicious banana, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the farmers behind this tropical delight.
