A fruit for all seasons !

Between the flowering of a banana plant and the fruit ripe enough to be gathered, is usually about three months. This season is usually uneventful unless a strong wind uproots the plant or breaks the stem. Its is therefore usual to support the stem with wooden pole to assist the stem to bear the weight of the banana bunch, which can weigh 20 or more kilograms. 

The banana plantation which was the commonest cash crops in most properties in the past is now getting replaced by other vegetables. The cost of production is high and corresponding return is not forthcoming.  The market trends are not in favour of the farmer! 

The banana fruit is rich in calories and vitamins and is an item of food, children are fond of. Every household who has some land around the house would normally have a few banana trees. 

The banana leaf used to be used in restaurants to serve meals, instead of plates. The banana leaf is nourishing food for cattle. The core of the stem is still used to cook to make delicate vegetable stew. The squirrels find nectar from the flower after the banana bunch is fully formed. 

It is one plant that produces several shoots of young banana plants around the main stem. They when transplanted grow to give fruit in about six months. It is easy to cultivate and needs little attention. 

It is the banana fruit that attracts birds to the feeding station in our garden. The Bulbuls would even come to the kitchen to eat from the fruit bowl, if the feeding station does not have banana. 

The banana fruit is an appetising food.

The deep fried banana chips made from raw banana is a favourite snack for many. The ripe banana soaked in dough and deep fried becomes another tasty snack. The ripe banana when dried in sun, can be preserved and used to make banana stew. 

I know that athletes and sportsperson carry banana fruits in their kit as the fruit gives glycemic support instantly! 

Those who have Diabetes can also take this fruit in moderation, although its glycemic index is high!

No wonder banana fruit is considered an ideal fruit !

Each plant is unique, because of the multiple benefits a plant or its flowers or fruits can bring !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)