Banana Bonanza

Bananas are probably the most beloved of all the tropical fruits, providing great taste and good nutrition in everything from breakfast items to snacks, desserts and smoothies, like the Chocolate Almond Banana Smoothie opens in a new tab I had for breakfast this morning. If chocolate’s not calling you, how about these?

• Blueberry Banana Smoothie opens in a new tab

• Double Green Smoothie opens in a new tab

• Chocolate and Peanut Monkey Shake opens in a new tab

When shopping, be sure to look for our Whole Trade® bananas opens in a new tab, available only at Whole Foods Market stores. Whole Trade® bananas are sourced from growers with a commitment to producing top quality bananas with transparent and responsible environmental and social practices. One of our primary suppliers is EARTH University, a nonprofit university in Costa Rica dedicated to advancing education, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture in the tropics. EARTH University bananas are grown on a Rainforest Alliance certified farm.

Next time you want some fun banana ideas and recipes, here’s a great place to start:

• Simply peel and eat, like a primate. (Well, actually, some primates peel and others don’t!)

• Add to fruit salads

• Slice and add to cereals, hot or cold

• Slice and add to smoothies, ice cream, frozen yogurt, regular or Greek yogurt, or any non-dairy alternative.

• Serve banana chunks with this delicious Dark Chocolate and Coconut Dessert Sauce opens in a new tab.

• Add to muffins, quick breads, cakes and cookies. These ideas will get you started:

  • Banana Apricot Muffins
  • Flax and Honey Banana Bread
  • Oat Bran Banana Bread
  • Banana Cocoa Snack Cake
  • Light and Luscious Banana Bread
  • Look here for Gluten-Free Banana Bread recipe and info

• Mash bananas with a little almond or dairy milk and a drop of vanilla extract. Use this instead of syrup on pancakes, French toast and waffles, or try these recipes:

  • Sprouted Grain Orange French Toast with Bananas
  • Banana Bread Pancakes with Cinnamon, Honey and Orange Mascarpone

• Sauté bananas in a small amount of butter or coconut oil. Add a pinch of brown sugar or honey, some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Serve for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert.

• Grilled Bananas with Sweet Toppings opens in a new tab make perfect dessert ideas to compliment warm-weather outdoor meals.  

• These Caramelized Banana Crepes with Mexican Chocolate Sauce opens in a new tab work for Sunday breakfast or dessert.

• Bananas and beans? Sure! This Black-Eyed Peas with Sautéed Tomatoes and Bananas opens in a new tab is inspired by a famous Ghana recipe.

• This spring and summer, skip the ice cream and go for some Raw Banana Ice Cream opens in a new tab or some Raspberry Nice Cream opens in a new tab, which would also be great made with blueberries, strawberries or blackberries.

• Have a spring banana bash and serve your guests this unforgettable Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Tart opens in a new tab.

Even though bananas may be green or greenish-yellow when purchased, they will continue to ripen at room temperature and are fully ripe when yellow. If not using right away when ripened, you can store in the refrigerator. The skin will turn black, but the flesh of the banana is fine underneath. You can also peel and freeze until ready to use.
What are some banana recipes you enjoy? Let me know.