Bananas

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They grow on big plants in warm, tropical places. A banana has a thick yellow peel that you must take off before eating. Inside, the fruit is soft, sweet, and creamy. Bananas give your body quick energy.

How Bananas Grow

Banana plants look like trees, but they are really giant herbs. They grow best in hot, rainy places near the equator. Each plant makes one big bunch of bananas called a hand. A hand can hold more than 100 bananas. When the fruit is ripe, workers cut the whole bunch down.

Why Bananas Are Good for You

Bananas are full of vitamins and minerals. They have lots of potassium, which helps your muscles and heart work well. They also give you fiber to help your tummy stay healthy. Many athletes eat bananas before sports for quick energy. You can eat them fresh, frozen, or baked into bread.

Fun Facts

• A banana is actually a berry, but a strawberry is not!
• Most bananas sold in stores come from a type called Cavendish.
• Monkeys often peel bananas from the bottom, not the top.

Did You Know?

Bananas float in water because they are less dense than the liquid. You can test this at home with a bowl of water.