Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Red bananas are available year round from Central and South America.
Current Facts
The Red banana has several names, depending on its growing region, including the Red Spanish, Red Cuban, Colorado or Lal kela. It is a vigorous, highly resistant grower, producing bunches with up to one hundred fruits.
Description/Taste
Shorter, plumper and heartier than the average banana, the Red banana is the most sought after "alternative" banana variety available in the US. When ripe it will have a thick maroon to red peel and pink-salmon hued flesh. Its flavor is sweet and creamy with raspberry highlights.
Nutritional Value
The Red banana has more beta carotene and vitamin C than the yellow banana varieties. Bananas also contain three natural sugars: sucrose, fructose, and glucose, making them a source of instant and sustainable energy.
Applications
Although a ripe Red banana can be great for fresh-eating, this variety is preferred as a baking variety for both desserts and semi-savory dishes. Try sliced, sprinkled with warm spices and roasted. Fry as you would plantains or add to curries. Red bananas can be used in lieu of traditional bananas in baked recipes such as breads, muffins and cakes. To store keep at room temperature until ready to use.
Geography/History
Originating in India and southern Asia, Red bananas also grow in other banana-friendly growing regions within the tropics and subtropics. Rare red varieties flourish in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Islands. Producing bright red foliage, Red banana plants are a vivid landscape visual, growing semi-wild along roadsides in tropical countries.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Bananas. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Red Bananas using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near San Diego, California, United States About 2 days ago Spotter's comments : Red Bananas spotted at Whole Foods Market. Had the best pancakes with these once #puravida Food 4 Less Near Van Nuys, California, United States About 24 days ago Sprouts East Lake Near Chula Vista, California, United States About 71 days ago Carmel, NY Hannaford Near Beekman, New York, United States About 102 days ago |
