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Fascinating Facts About Bananas
Who knew that there were so many interesting facts about bananas!
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1.
First Fruit on Earth
Some horticulturists suspect that the banana was the earth's first fruit. Banana plants have been in cultivation since the time of recorded history. One of the first records of bananas dates back to Alexander the Great's conquest of India where he first discovered bananas in 327 B.C.
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2.
Banana Hand
A cluster of bananas is called a hand and consists of 10 to 20 bananas, which are known as fingers.
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5.
The Start of Bananas
In 1516, Friar Tomas sailed to the Caribbean bringing banana roots with him; and planted bananas in the rich, fertile soil of the tropics, thus beginning the banana's future in American life.
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6.
Most Popular Fruit to Buy
Over 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once each month.
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7.
Bananas Don't Grow on Trees
Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs of the same family as lilies, orchids and palms.
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8.
Introduction of Bananas in US
Bananas were officially introduced to the American public at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. Each banana was wrapped in foil and sold for 10 cents. Before that time, bananas came to America on the decks of sailing ships as sailors took a few stems home after traveling in the Caribbean.
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10.
Banana Companies
The banana market is controlled by five large corporations - Chiquita (25%), Dole (25%), Del Monte (15%), Noboa (11%) and Fyffes (8%). Most bananas are grown on huge plantations, controlled by these corporate giants. The remaining banana production for export comes from small banana producers.
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