Bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits in the world. More than 1,000 varieties of this tropical fruit are known, around 500 of which are considered suitable for human consumption. Banana varieties are broadly classified into approximately 50 major groups.

Bananas are cultivated mainly in India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, the Philippines and Angola. Some of the best-known varieties worldwide include Cavendish, red bananas, green bananas, also known as ice cream bananas, plantains and small bananas known as Lady Finger.

Cavendish. The Cavendish is the most widely grown banana variety, accounting for approximately 99 per cent of total global banana production. Commonly known to consumers as the “regular banana”, this variety began to be cultivated on a large commercial scale in the 1950s.

Cavendish bananas can be eaten fresh, fried in oil or blended. They are also used in the preparation of bread and confectionery products, as well as added to various cocktails.

As this variety is suitable for transportation over long distances, the bananas are usually harvested while still unripe and green. When fully ripe, both the flesh and the peel of a Cavendish banana turn yellow. If the fruit becomes overripe, dark brown spots appear on its peel.