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New Year’s, 2021
Edible Eleuthera Banana
By The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP) Bananas (Common Name: Banana; Scientific name: Musa x paradisiaca; Family: Musaceae; Musa x paradisiaca is the name derived from a hybrid of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana) aren’t native to the Lucayan Archipelago. They originated in the Philippines and Malaysia and are now found throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions, predominantly in Human Altered environments (yards, gardens, farms). What we typically call a ‘hand’ of bananas is a group of flowers and the fruits are actually fleshy “berries”.Musa x paradisiaca is used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago to treat hypertension and arthritis as well as colds and flu. The fruits, roots, leaves and flowers can all be used medici-
nally. The fleshy part of the leaf, nearest the stalk, can be used as a bandage over wounds to stop bleeding and for disinfection. The leaves can be heated and used as poultices. The high alkalinity of bananas makes them ideal for treating gastrointestinal issues. The fruits are usually consumed raw. The “hog’ banana, a shorter, fatter variant has a slight lemony flavor. The “sugar” banana is small and narrow but has a distinct sweetness. The sugars in the fruits are very easily assimilated into the body when ripe and the fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. They provide a good energy boost and are recommended for diabetics due to their slow release of glucose. When green, the fruits are
Flowers of the Musa paradisiaca placed in boiling water with the skins on. Once cooked, the fruit is peeled and eaten, with a taste like a potato. The nutritional content of the banana is at its peak when its very ripe. It’s at this degree of ripeness that they are prized in banana breads and “panny cakes”, which are thick and doughy.
Tell us how you enjoy your bananas.
Burro Bananas
An almost mature “hand” of bananas
