Bananas are a staple in many cultures, providing a sweet and nutritious snack for people of all ages. But have you ever wondered which banana is the biggest in the world? The answer might surprise you.
The biggest banana in the world is not the Cavendish banana, the most commonly found type in the United States and other western countries. In fact, it is the Gros Michel banana, a variety that is no longer found in supermarkets because of its susceptibility to Panama Disease, a deadly soil-borne fungus that is spread by the banana weevil. The Gros Michel was popular before the 1950s, but eventually had to be replaced by the Cavendish due to its vulnerability to the disease.
The Gros Michel banana is a large, elongated banana with a thick, creamy flesh that is slightly tart in taste. It grows in clusters of up to 20 and can reach lengths of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and can weigh up to 1.5 pounds (680 grams). The Gros Michel also has a more robust flavor than the Cavendish and is known for its superior baking qualities.
The Gros Michel is not the only large banana available. The Pisang Raja, also known as the Raja banana, is another large variety that has a sweet flavor and is popular in Southeast Asia. The Pisang Raja grows in clusters of up to 15 and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches (20 cm) and can weigh up to 1 pound (450 grams).
The Musa Itinerans, or the Traveler’s Banana, is another large variety that is commonly found in tropical regions of the world. The Musa Itinerans grows in clusters of up to 30 and can reach lengths of up to 11 inches (28 cm) and can weigh up to 2 pounds (900 grams).
The Musa Cavendishi, or the Cavendish Banana, is the most commonly found banana in the United States and other western countries. The Musa Cavendishi grows in clusters of up to 10 and can reach lengths of up to 7 inches (18 cm) and can weigh up to 1 pound (450 grams).
The Musa Basjoo, also known as the Japanese Banana, is a cold-tolerant variety that is native to Japan. The Musa Basjoo grows in clusters of up to 15 and can reach lengths of up to 10 inches (25 cm) and can weigh up to 1.5 pounds (680 grams).
Finally, the Musa Acuminata, or the Wild Banana, is a large variety that is native to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The Musa Acuminata grows in clusters of up to 10 and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches (20 cm) and can weigh up to 1 pound (450 grams).
So, the biggest banana in the world is the Gros Michel, a large, elongated banana with a thick, creamy flesh that is slightly tart in taste. Its superior baking qualities make it a popular choice for bakers, but unfortunately, it is no longer found in supermarkets due to its susceptibility to the deadly Panama Disease. The Pisang Raja, Musa Itinerans, Musa Cavendishi, Musa Basjoo, and Musa Acuminata are also large varieties that can be found in tropical regions of the world.
