n. [buh-nan-uh] small, plump banana; subtropical variety grown at higher altitudes; also known as Lady Finger, Oritos or Manzanos.
ə
I bought some baby bananas for the kids at a party we were hosting, and they were a big hit! Small enough to fit into the littlest hand, they are a perfect snack. I get tired of my little guy wanting a banana and then not finishing the whole thing. These are just right. They have a slightly sweeter taste, but otherwise taste just like their larger cousin. Freeze them for a frosty treat, eat them out of hand or use them in smaller doses for kiddie smoothies. Baby bananas are available year-round. I purchased mine at the Produce Exchange.
Since we are already going bananas, I'm excited to pick up a book recommended a friend. Bananas: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World by Dan Koeppel chronicles the history of this seemingly harmless fruit and the havoc it has wrought for over a century. From Adam + Eve to labor wars, and a killer disease threatening to wipe out it's very existence, the banana is steeped in drama. Thanks for the tip, Mike!
