Banana Trees

Banana is the common name for a fruit and is one of the tropical plants abundant in the Philippines. It is seen in provinces and cities. One of the thrilling tales about them has to do with the world of mysticism. Banana trees may be innocent looking but according to a Philippine tale about them they hide deep secrets of the spirit world. Banana trees quickly spread around a mother tree. They often grow in clusters, and the tallest tree usually is the mother banana tree. Bananas come in a variety of sizes and colors when ripe, including yellow, purple, and red. Bananas can be eaten raw though some varieties are generally cooked first. Depending upon cultivar and ripeness, the flesh can vary in taste from starchy to sweet, and texture from firm to mushy. Unripe or green bananas and plantains are used for cooking various dishes such as banana pudding and are the staple starch of many tropical populations. Banana chips are a snack produced from dehydrated or fried banana or plantain slices, which have a dark brown color and an intense banana taste. Bananas have also been used in the making of jam. The leaves of the banana plant are large, flexible, and waterproof. They are used many ways, including as umbrellas and to wrap food for cooking or storage. Unlike other fruits, it is difficult to extract juice from bananas because when compressed a banana simply turns to pulp. Banana sap is extremely sticky and can be used as a practical adhesive.