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Just thought we must all know the basics about that humble fruit, the banana, which is available all the year round and which is arguably the world's most perfect fruit. A bit of research brought up some interesting facts that are worth sharing here.

Did you know that the origin of this fruit was in fact the plantain which was used raw in cooking? The sweet yellow variety available now is a mutant strain of the original green/red cooking bananas. Over the years their usage has increased and they are used in a variety of dishes both for their taste and availability throughout the year.

What we call the banana tree is in fact a perennial herb! It has no proper trunk but its stem is composed of tightly wrapped leaves which end in a stalk that is the fruit-bearing flower stalk. The fruit grows in clumps that resemble a hand and they grow in a bunch. Once it produces the fruit, the stem simply dies but leaves behind fresh sideshoots that form the new plant. The fruit therefore has no hand in the reproduction cycle and is in reality, sterile. Banana cultivation is one of the earliest adopted by man and many plantations have survived for hundreds of years. Every part of the banana plant is either edible or has other uses – for example, we use the broad leaves to wrap or to steam food in. The banana remains the world's best selling fruit and is easily available everywhere.

It is a little known fact that banana is used as a remedy for hangovers and headaches in homeopathy. As dehydration and depletion of potassium are the most common reasons for a hangover, bananas which are an excellent source of potassium and magnesium can help to relax all those pounding blood vessels. Bananas also contain high amounts of vitamin C as well as amino acids. Want to avoid a hangover that you might get after a rocking party? Just drink plenty of water and don't forget to eat at least one banana before you go to bed and your hangovers will become history! Bananas are also a natural antacid and will guard against heartburn.

When selecting bananas avoid buying ones that are too green but just slightly green especially if you want them to last over a couple of days. Take care to avoid bruised ones as they will spoil quickly. Bananas change colour as they ripen and become enticingly bright and yellow when they are ready to eat. A peculiar fact is that they encourage other fruits in their vicinity to also ripen. Bananas ripen faster if they are placed in an open paper bag on the counter, and care should be taken to see that they are away from direct sunlight or heat. You can refrigerate bananas, only be prepared to see the skin change colour to brown. But the fruit will be fine and there will be no change in taste.

Recipes using bananas in daily cooking as well as exotic desserts abound. Know of any that you can share with the Sitagita community?