I’ll admit it, up until a few days ago, I was strictly a yellow banana person. It wasn’t until my local supermarket sold out of those gems that I was forced to make a choice. Ignore my craving or grab that unusual bunch of red bananas from a stand in the corner of the grocery store?
I’ve never been the type to ignore a craving, and this time, it definitely paid off.
Photo by Rose Ferrao
Grown primarily in South America and Australia, these bananas range in colour from deep red to dark purple when ripe. The inside of the bananas also ranges from cream to light pink, depending on ripeness.
Despite being smaller than their yellow counterpart, red bananas excel in every other area. They contain approximately 110 calories and are packed with fiber, potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.
These bananas also contain beta-carotene, a substance that’s been shown to strengthen your immune system and improve the quality of your skin and hair, among many other benefits.
Photo by Rose Ferrao
Not only are red bananas good for you, but they’re also delicious. They taste like a crossover between a regular banana and a ripe, tangy raspberry. At approximately the same cost as a yellow banana, it’s like getting two different fruits for the price of one.
Although you can just peel it and eat it, the amazing flavour of a red banana will add an extra layer to everything from your favourite smoothie to a banana cream pie.
Next time you’re at the supermarket, think twice before grabbing your usual fruit. With more flavour, nutritional value and Instagram potential, you’d be bananas not to give red bananas a try.