Finger bananas differently called baby green and mini. Before they were brought to Russia, they were spotted in Africa, the Caribbean and South America, and they are still grown here.
The relevance of green bananas is due to their features.
What are they?
Banana tree in natural conditions can grow up to ten meters in length. At home, it usually reaches no more than two meters.
Him leaves differ in a saturated green shade. In size they are long and wide. The trunk of the tree has a green-brown color.
The shade of the flower is scarlet. Fetus size - about seven centimeters. Mini-bananas gain yellow color only when fully ripe. Its taste is very soft and sweet. The flesh has a creamy texture. The aroma of the fruit is very strong.
Appearance history
Banana (Musa sapientum) is a name for over 1000 varieties and hybrids of a woody plant. The banana itself is considered a berry. A bunch of bananas is called a hand, one banana is called a finger. Bananas may have been the very first cultivated plants in the world. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of their cultivation as far back as 8000 BC. in New Guinea. Almost all modern edible seedless bananas come from two wild species: Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Today, the global producer of bananas is Ecuador, followed by the Philippines. Bananas are grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, North and South America, Africa, the Canary Islands and Australia.
There is no botanical difference between yellow and green bananas. Just a yellow banana refers to the sweeter form of the fruit and is often consumed raw, and green - to the starch-containing product, from which you can cook a variety of dishes.
Principles of home care
After you buy a banana tree, pay attention to capacitywhere are its roots. If it is a neat pot, the plant does not need a transplant. If it is in a container with a substrate, it should be moved, but not in a too large pot.
Do not remove the substrate from the roots during transplantation. If you do the opposite way, the plant is unlikely to quickly take root.
Banana requires good light in room. He is well acclimatized on the balcony or near the window. If the window is located on the north side, you should apply additional lighting. In the case when you place a pot with a plant near the southern window, do not forget to hang a sun protection net next to the glass. Direct sunlight does not work well.
Banana - a plant thermophilic. If the temperature in the room drops below fifteen degrees, it can simply die.
He will be comfortable at twenty-three to twenty-six degrees.
When growing should achieve optimum humidity. Ventilate the room, put water containers near the tree.
Water banana should be defended with warm water. The average temperature is twenty-six degrees. Watering should be often, but so that before the next watering the top of the soil was dry.
Banana can bloom both three months and twelve. The bud has a purple-scarlet tone, and the flower has a red hue. After the beginning of flowering fruits appear. Top fruits ripen faster.
Banana tree follows feed regularly after watering, especially in the period of maturation. The root system of a banana is very delicate, so synthetic fertilizers are not suitable. Suitable cow humus, green manure fertilizer and ash mass.
So that it does not outgrow, should replant it about once every twelve months. In the case of active growth should do it more often.
Pot for planting matched to the size of the plant. For example, if the sapling is small, a liter pot is enough. For mature plants need a ten-liter pot. Planting requires neutral soil. Drainage in the form of pebbles or cracked bricks should be placed on the bottom. Next should be a layer of sand. The main soil is made of land under deciduous trees (the land is not suitable for chestnut and oak), river sand, boiling water and fertilizer.
Banana can multiply and seeds, and lateral processes. If you like the first method. Seeds should be laid in water, and planted after germination. If you separate a process, it must be planted immediately in the soil.
Benefit and harm
Green bananas are a rich source of beneficial nutrients: vitamins and minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta and alpha carotenes (acting as antioxidants), probiotic friendly bacteria that promote health. Only one banana contains up to 422 mg of potassium (depending on size), which is important for monitoring heart rate and blood pressure. Green fruits are full of fiber, good for people with digestive problems and intestines.
Disadvantages of green bananas: bitter taste and wax texture. It can also cause some bloating and gas formation due to their starch content.
| The value of raw green banana (100 gr) | ||
| Criterion | The nutritional value | Percentage |
| Energy | 90 kcal | 4,5% |
| Carbohydrates | 22.84 g | 18% |
| Protein | 1.09 g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.33 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 2.60 g | 7% |
| Sahara | up to 10 grams | (depending on ripeness) |
| Starch | up to 6 grams | (depending on ripeness) |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folate | 20 mg | 5% |
| Niacin | 0.665 mg | 4% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.4 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.367 mg | 28% |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.073 mg | 5% |
| Thiamine | 0.031 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 64 IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 8.7 mg | 15% |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 0.5 mcg | 1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 5.0 mg | 0,5% |
| Copper | 0.078 mg | 8% |
| Iron | 0.26 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 27 mg | 7% |
| Manganese | 0,270 mg | 13% |
| Phosphorus | 22 mg | 4% |
| Selenium | 1.0 mcg | 2% |
| Zinc | 0.15 mg | 1% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Potassium | 358 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
Is it possible to eat?
Green banana is an ingredient in many savory dishes. It can be steamed, boiled, fried, mashed, curried or chips, used as a filling, in salads or appetizers.
But unripe fruits are useful precisely in their raw form, because they contain the so-called "resistant starch", which is well absorbed by the body, unlike starches of cereals, potatoes and other products.
What is useful?
Bananas are one of the best foods. If you compare a banana with an apple, bananas have 4 times more protein, 2 times more carbohydrates, 3 times more phosphorus, 5 times more vitamin A, 5 times more iron, and 2 times more vitamins and minerals. And, of course, bananas are known for being rich in potassium.
Green bananas help to overcome problems with blood pressure, blood circulation, bone and nervous system, heart, kidneys, skin, good for dyspepsia, stomach ulcers, heartburn, constipation, anemia, PMS, rheumatic pains, hangovers, muscle regeneration, foot cramps. They help stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent kidney cancer, protect eyes from degeneration.
For the cardiovascular system
Green fruits regulate blood pressure due to the high content of potassium, which acts as a vasodilator (vasodilator). Resistant starch removes excess cholesterol in plasma and triglycerides. As a result, pressure in blood vessels and arteries, glycemic and insulinhemic responses are reduced, and ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes are prevented.
For the digestive tract
Green bananas are rich in fiber and probiotic bacteria, which is important for the proper functioning of the digestive tract and intestinal movement.
In addition, the product treats diarrhea caused by a bactericidal, viral, or parasitic infection. Unripe bananas will help to deal with the symptoms of intestinal upset: nausea, fatigue, colic and abdominal pain, etc.
Regular consumption of bananas improves absorption of nutrients, especially calcium, by the walls of the stomach.
For muscular system
Green bananas are a source of various vitamins, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C and many others. Together with a large amount of potassium (about 400 g mg per 100 g of product!) And phosphorus, these substances participate in the body's water-salt metabolism, and are extremely important for maintaining muscle tone, during training and other physical activities.
For the nervous system
A medium-sized banana provides 33% of the daily dose of vitamin B6. Vitamin helps the body create melatonin - a hormone that regulates the body's “internal clock”. Consumption of the recommended amount of vitamin B6 is important for maintaining a healthy immune and nervous systems, brain function. Together with the hormones norepinephrine and serotonin, vitamin B6 has a positive effect on the emotional state, copes with stressful conditions.
For brain
Vitamins of group B supply the brain with energy, improve memory, concentration, eliminate the effects of mental stress, fatigue.
For the condition of the teeth and bones
100 gr. banana puree contains about 5.0 mg of calcium. Perhaps this is not too much, but it is necessary to strengthen the dental and bone tissues. In addition, banana fruits contain an abundance of fructo-oligosaccharides - non-digestible carbohydrates - which stimulate the digestive function and the body's ability to absorb additional calcium.
Using the inside of a banana peel (a couple of minutes every other day) will help restore the whiteness of the teeth.
For skin
Banana peel (the inside) will help remove warts, relieve itching and skin irritation after an insect bite. Due to its healing and regenerating properties, banana peel will help speed healing of sunburn, bruises, wounds, scratches and other injuries; reduce acne and prevent new foci. Banana peeling tightens facial pores, reduces wrinkles.
Is it possible during pregnancy?
The diet of the future and nursing mothers is one of the most important moments for the health of the baby.. There are many restrictions on the use of products during this period, but all the same food should remain varied, natural, full and balanced.
Bananas prevent gestational diabetes during pregnancy, primarily due to the content of folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and tryptophan, which favorably affects the changing hormones of the woman, the sugar content in the blood, ensures a harmonious state and a good night's rest.
Cases of negative reactions in future mothers are rare, but can manifest themselves in the form of unpleasant symptoms: bloating, changes in stool, allergic reactions in the case of individual intolerance.
Is it possible to breastfeed?
The first months of breastfeeding lactating mothers, it is important to adhere to a special menu, eliminating from the diet foods with a high content of starch. Bananas are included in this list. In general, during this period, it is advisable to refrain from consuming exotic products. In the future, green bananas should be introduced into the diet gradually, adhering to general principles and monitoring the response reactions of the child’s body.
With diabetes
Unripe fruits contain much less sugar than mature ones. The glycemic index of the product is 30, therefore the processes of digestion, absorption and metabolism occur slowly, eliminating the risks of a sudden increase in blood sugar levels. Bananas are rich in dietary fiber - a very recommended nutrient for diabetics.
When losing weight
Resistant (resistant) starch is a natural weight loss tool: it stimulates the formation of the hormone glucagon, increasing the rate of fat burning in the body.
What can you do with them?
Green bananas do not have a strong taste and have a not very pleasant smell. The solution to this problem in creative cooking.
- Roasted banana slices or chips - a thrilling treat!
- Boiled in a peel (within 20 minutes) after removal of a peel green bananas are served as a separate dish or with meat, for example, with dumplings.
- Baked green bananas with a little olive oil and salt.
- Oatmeal with slices of bananas, nuts and yogurt.
- Morning cocktail of green fruit, whipped in a blender with the addition of sweet fruit.
- Spicy banana salad with pepper, lemon juice, salt, sugar and onion.
- Refreshing salad with cottage cheese, finely chopped mint leaves, dill, cucumber, lemon juice and chopped peanuts.
All the benefits of a healthy diet!
Can harm be done? In which case and which one?
When eating green bananas in moderation, there are no significant side effects. Excessive use can lead to drowsiness, headaches. Headaches are caused by amino acids that dilate the blood vessels, and magnesium relaxes the muscles - sometimes it is useful and sometimes it is risky. Daily consumption of several dozen bananas forms an excessive accumulation of potassium - hyperkalemia. Green bananas can cause flatulence in some people due to starch.
Unripe bananas are not suitable to be a healthy do-it-yourself meal, as they do not contain enough protein and fat. Also have lower levels of antioxidants, compared with ripe bananas.
Diseases and pests
At home, a small tree is not subject to disease. The only rule - do not forget to save the plant from the draft. Regular fertilizer is also required. You can sprinkle the earth once every thirty days with tobacco dust.
Tropical notes in a homely atmosphere
If earlier it was thought that such plants could not be grown at home, now this stereotype is destroyed. An important condition is create the right atmosphere for a banana.
Try to follow the rules of cultivation as much as possible so that the plant will delight you with its health and fruits.
