In this country, bananas are now part of everyday life in many households. However, little is often known about the origins of this delicious fruit. Let's go on a historical journey together.
Which countries do our bananas come from?
Bananas originally come from Southeast Asia and spread throughout history through Africa and the Canary Islands to Central and South America. Today, most export bananas come from countries such as Egypt, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Vietnam.
From East to West
The banana tree originally comes from Southeast Asia. From there it conquered all tropical countries from the 17th century. It is believed that this delicacy made its way to Central and South America via Africa and the Canary Islands.
Banana Belt
Due to the fact that the banana needs a lot of sun and rain to thrive, it grows most luxuriantly in the subtropics and tropics.
These regions are located north or south of the 30th parallel. They are located in the tropical belt. However, it is not just the countries of Central America that are currently among the most important growing areas. When it comes to cultivation volume, India, China and the Philippines are the main contenders. However, these bananas are hardly exported.
Export goods become western delicacies
Now every supermarket or fruit retailer in Germany offers fruit bananas for consumption.
These come primarily from:
- Egypt
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Panama
- Vietnam
In these regions, bananas are one of the most important export goods.
Green harvest for a long journey
So that the bananas reach us in an extremely digestible condition, they are harvested green. The entire fruit cluster is cut off with the help of a machete. This tuft is then washed by hand.
In the next step, the fruit is packed in boxes. Bananas now reach export countries on the two-week ship journey. Some technical support is required so that these do not ripen on the ship.
Once you arrive in your destination country, you will stop at a banana ripening factory. They will then be available for sale.
Tips & Tricks
It is recommended to prefer organic bananas when purchasing. Their natural origin not only protects the environment. Rather, a he alth-safe workplace is guaranteed for farmers in the individual countries.
