It is probable that bananas arrived in India, Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia, within the first two millennia after domestication. Plantains may have been grown in eastern Africa as early as 3000 BCE, and in Madagascar by 1000 BCE. The plantain had certainly reached the African continent between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
Did bananas come from plantains?
A banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called “plantains”, distinguishing them from dessert bananas.
| Banana | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Musaceae |
| Genus: | Musa |
When was banana invented?
Bananas were originally found in South East Asia, mainly in India. They were brought west by Arab conquerors in 327 B.C. and moved from Asia Minor to Africa and finally carried to the New World by the first explorers and missionaries to the Caribbean.
Where did plantains originally come from?
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
Do plantains and bananas come from the same plant?
Both bananas and plantains belong to the same plant family and genus, but differences in the appearance of their flowers and fruits will tell you the type of plant you’re dealing with.
What was the first fruit on Earth?
In the ruins of a prehistoric village near Jericho, in the West Bank, scientists have found remains of figs that they say appear to be the earliest known cultivated fruit crop — perhaps the first evidence anywhere of domesticated food production at the dawn of agriculture. The figs were grown some 11,400 years ago.
Are plantains and bananas the same family?
Plantains are members of the banana family, but they are starchier and lower in sugar, which means that when they are ripe, they will still be green in color. If you get them when they are overripe, they may have started to turn yellow or black.
Do bananas come from Africa?
Africa … Almost all African countries produce a significant amount of bananas and plantains, but only a few actually export fresh dessert bananas. West and Central African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon – produce nearly all of Africa’s banana exports.
Are bananas native to Africa?
Indeed, banana cultivation was the economic backbone of some African kingdoms that thrived before European colonization. Until recently, most African scholars assumed that the banana, which is native to New Guinea, was not introduced into Africa earlier than about 2000 years ago.
Is plantain Caribbean or African?
Plantains can be found all over the Caribbean and Central America, but they were not always native to these areas. Plantains are indigenous to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They made their way along trade routes to Africa and then were brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish and African slave traders.
What’s the difference between a plantain and a banana?
A plantain is actually a type of banana, but with a different flavor and culinary use. Like bananas they are originally from Southeast Asia, but they’re grown all over the world today. They tend to be larger in size than bananas, and have a thicker skin. Plantains are also starchier and lower in sugar than bananas.
What was the original banana?
The original banana was different from current sweet yellow bananas. Instead, early bananas were green or red, and were prepared using a variety of cooking methods. These bananas are presently referred to as plantains or cooking bananas in order to distinguish them from the sweet bananas we know today.
Who brought plantains to Africa?
It is said that In the 15th century plantains were found by Portuguese explorers in Western Africa and taken back to there home for planting. Portuguese explorers found bananas in western Africa and planted some back home.
Which is healthier banana or plantain?
Bananas have lower carbohydrates and higher fiber. Plantains are a bit higher in calories. Plantains are rich in carbohydrates. Plantains are rich in potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
What are little bananas called?
Lady Finger bananas, also known as baby bananas, are sweeter and smaller than Cavendish bananas. They’re usually around three inches in length and feature a creamy texture and sweet flavor with notes of honey.
How do Mexicans say plantain?
ABOUT ‘PLANTAIN’:
For U.S. Spanish we used ‘plátano macho‘, the main term used in Mexico; it is appropriately descriptive and helps to distinguish it from the sweet banana fruit.
Which fruit did Adam eat first?
Forbidden fruit is a name given to the fruit growing in the Garden of Eden which God commands mankind not to eat. In the biblical story, Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and are exiled from Eden.
Is Banana the oldest fruit?
Bananas are believed by some to be the world’s oldest fruit. Certainly they are mentioned in Ancient Chinese, Hindu, Greek and Roman texts, and the earliest record in Sanskrit dates back to 5000 B.C. can be consumed.
What’s the rarest fruit in the world?
Here the list of 10 rarest fruits in the world.
- Ackee. Ackee is a rare and strange looking fruit that native to tropical regions of Western Africa.
- Rambutan. Rambutan fruit grows across South East Asia.
- Physalis.
- Jabuticaba.
- African Horned Cucumber.
- Durian.
- Miracle Fruit.
- Mangosteen.
Can dogs eat plantains?
Plantain is a source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B6 and magnesium and potassium. It’s safe for your dog to eat the plantain fruit but it needs to be cooked. You can cook it the same way as potatoes. To help retain the most nutrients, steaming plantain is best.
Can you cook a banana like a plantain?
Some people are familiar with fried plantains, but not a lot of people know that Bananas can be fried. Yes, bananas can be fried, and they can be quite addictive if done right. You can serve it as a side dish, dessert or eat as is.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.