Bananas are my favorite because they have a peel. I think of that little ditty whenever I shop for bananas. Before I peel back and reveal the surprises of the banana, let me briefly explain why I used the word “ditty.” A ditty is a saying or simple song that is short and frequently repeated. I am guilty of either quietly humming or singing that ditty as I place a bunch of bananas in my cart. Bananas are an easy selection because they do not require the opening of those plastic produce bags that were the subject of my previous column.

It is believed that bananas originated in the jungles of Southeast Asia. In the seventh century Arab traders introduced them to Africa and the Middle East. Those early varieties of bananas did not resemble the ones we consume today. They were just a few inches in length resembling fingers. Many etymologists believe that the word banana is derived from the Arabic word “banan” which means finger.

Bananas were virtually unknown to Americans until Philadelphia hosted the 1876 Centennial Exposition. One of the event’s popular attractions was a 40-acre display of tropical plants. A nearby booth sold bananas wrapped in tin foil for 10 cents, which was a tidy sum since that was the typical hourly wage back then.

It was a merchant ship that enhanced the popularity of the fruit to the States. A sea captain, Lorenzo Baker, discovered the fruit in Jamaica and brought 165 bunches back to New Jersey in 1870. He sold them and made such a big profit that he began shipping them to the East Coast regularly.  Eventually, Americans were “going bananas” over bananas. 

The typical American eats about 75 bananas a year. Science has shown that bananas have a multitude of health benefits. Those benefits vary according to the ripeness of the banana.  We have all witnessed how they may start out green in the grocery and eventually turn brown if uneaten. The underripe green ones are more effective in sustaining a healthy digestive system. If you have forgotten about the bananas that you left in the pantry do not throw them out. Those brown or blackened peels that hold a banana that may help white blood cells to fight off disease and infections.

Studies have shown that bananas have high levels of tryptophan. You have probably experienced the effects of tryptophan soon after eating a Thanksgiving dinner. As you relax on a couch to watch football, the tryptophan in turkey is breaking down into serotonin. Serotonin can make you relax and improve your mood. That is why many of us take a nap after the turkey feast after telling someone to wake you up for dessert.

Bananas are also high in Vitamin A which may keep eyes healthy and strong. It turns out that a banana is a supplier of a multitude of vitamins including A, C as well as potassium, iron and calcium.

Remember the ditty that started this column.? Well, bananas do have a peel. The peels can be eaten and provide a healthy dose of fiber. The peel is about 40% of a banana and humans throw out about 4 million tons of them yearly.

There are many ways to eat the peels after you have previously washed the banana to remove any foreign substances. If the bananas have ripened, you can take a bite of the peel and enjoy its sweetness. For smoothies, you can cut up a frozen banana with the ripened peel intact. Take a sip and enjoy its sweetness. 

Lately, there has been a discussion that we eat bananas the wrong way. Chimps and apes hold the vestige of the stalk and bite into the other end. I find it easier to eat by pulling aside the stalk to open the peel. 

Hudson Cooper is a resident of Sullivan County, a writer, comedian and actor.