Monday, September 25, 2006

Testing the Tiny: Baby Bananas

For my next newspaper column (Cute Fruit), we'll try three toy versions of familiar fruits. In the final post of the series, let's talk about mini bananas.

As illustrated at left, it's easy to feel or look like a gorilla when clutching these diminutive fruits. But don't be fooled by my powerful hands--it's just a small banana.

Perhaps because bananas are so familiar a fruit, it's odd to see one so little. More so than with baby pineapples or Munchkin grapes. But once you get past cooing at these babies, you realize there are certain advantages to the size (about half as big as a regular Cavendish banana). They're perfect for kids. Ditto for adults who enjoy a banana but fear that they're getting a tad big (see picture).

Mini bananas have a more distinct taste than other minute fruit. They're sweeter than the Cavendish. with a more delicate texture. Those factors may have something to do with the baby banana moniker. Then again, Dole’s web site writes that “Baby Bananas...received their name because resemble the hands of small children--plump and short.” Mmm, pass the kids' fingers.

8 Comments:

At September 25, 2006 7:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

These little bananas also solve another problem: Coral likes to eat about half a banana but she also likes to peel them, so it's necessary to cut one in half (or thirds) or there's a lot of waste. I will invest in some baby bananas and she can have a whole one! Thanks for the research, Jon, I saw them at the store and was wondering.

 
At September 26, 2006 9:21 AM, Blogger JB said...

There you have it--baby bananas for babies (OK, toddlers) like Coral. I can think of a few kiddies who'd enjoy this aptly-sized (and named) fruit.

FYI, I neglected to mention that you peel these bananas from the bottom.

Thanks for reading!

 
At October 03, 2006 10:40 AM, Blogger Tim said...

I'd like to see a picture of a bottom-peeled baby banana. That seems weird. Can you peel them from the top if you're so inspired?

Is that how those on the inside of the baby monkey-cage can recognize those on the outside? If you see someone with a baby banana try to peel it from the top, you know you've got a novice. How embarrassing.

 
At October 03, 2006 11:39 AM, Blogger JB said...

An excellent point, Tim. Since monkeys do peel bananas from the bottom, I'd imagine they scoff at us stem-down folks. I've also heard that monkeys squash the bottom end open with their thumbs. You can't argue with the experts...

To my surprise, Slate ran a fascinating article on the topic. It has a funny illustration, but I couldn't find a photo.

 
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