Burro bananas are on Dr. Sebi’s food list (Dr. Sebi’s nutritional guide).
What are burro bananas?
Burro bananas are on Dr. Sebi’s food list (Dr. Sebi’s nutritional guide). Burro bananas are a type of banana that is native to Mexico and Central America. They are small to medium-sized, with a squat, blocky shape and a thick, tough peel that is difficult to peel. Burro bananas are less sweet than other types of bananas and have a tangy, lemony flavor. They are most commonly eaten when they are fully ripe and have a soft, yellow flesh.
Scientific name:
The scientific name of burro bananas is Musa acuminata ‘Burro’.
Other names:
Burro bananas are also known as Chunky bananas, Horse bananas, and Guineo bananas.
Habitat:
Burro bananas are primarily grown in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They require a warm, tropical climate and grow best in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Description:
Burro bananas are small to medium-sized, with a blocky shape that is wider at the base and narrower at the top. They have a thick, tough peel that is difficult to peel and is usually removed with a knife. The flesh of burro bananas is yellow and has a tangy, lemony flavor. They are less sweet than other types of bananas and are most commonly eaten when they are fully ripe and have a soft texture.
Status:
Burro bananas are a natural variety of banana and are not genetically modified.
List of known species:
There are several varieties of bananas, including the Cavendish, Lady Finger, and Red bananas. Burro bananas belong to the Musa acuminata species.
Wild species of burro bananas
Wild bananas are typically smaller and less sweet than cultivated varieties. They are found in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
List of some wild species of bananas:
Bananas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, and there are several wild species of bananas that are found in different parts of the world. Here are some of the most well-known wild species of bananas:
- Musa acuminata – This is the most important wild banana species, as it is believed to be the ancestor of most modern banana cultivars. Musa acuminata is native to Southeast Asia and is still found in the wild in parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Musa balbisiana – This wild banana species is also native to Southeast Asia, and is found in parts of India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Musa balbisiana is less important as a food crop than Musa acuminata, but is often used as a source of fiber and for ornamental purposes.
- Musa textilis – This species is also native to Southeast Asia and is known for its strong, durable fibers, which are used to make textiles, paper, and other products.
- Musa ornata – This wild banana species is native to Indonesia and the Philippines, and is grown primarily for ornamental purposes due to its striking pink and purple flowers.
- Musa velutina – This species is native to India and Southeast Asia, and is known for its small, pink fruit that is sometimes used in traditional medicine.
- Musa banksii – This wild banana species is native to Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands, and is known for its distinctive red flowers.
- Musa coccinea – This species is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its bright orange-red fruit.
While wild bananas are not typically consumed as food, they are important as a source of genetic diversity and are often used in breeding programs to develop new cultivars that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Benefits of burro bananas
Mineral content
Burro bananas are a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. They also contain small amounts of iron.
Medicinal value (Burro banana benefits)
Burro bananas have several potential health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote digestive health and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, burro bananas contain may improve immune function and skin health.
Culinary uses
Burro bananas are most commonly eaten when they are fully ripe and have a soft texture. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used in baking, smoothies, and other recipes. In Latin American cuisine, burro bananas are often used in savory dishes, such as stews and soups. They can also be fried or boiled and served as a side dish.
Burro banana seed and propagation
Burro bananas are typically propagated asexually, through the division of the plant’s suckers, rather than through seeds. This is because the seeds of most cultivated banana varieties, including the burro banana, are sterile and unable to produce viable offspring.
However, wild bananas and some varieties of bananas that are not typically consumed as food can be grown from seed. These seeds are small and black, and are found inside the fruit of the banana plant.
If you do have access to banana seeds and want to try growing them, it’s important to note that bananas are tropical plants and require warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and a consistently moist soil to grow successfully. It can take up to two years for a banana plant to produce fruit, so patience is also key.
To grow bananas from seed, start by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours to help soften the tough seed coat. Then, plant the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and wait for the seedlings to emerge.
Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 12 inches, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground. Be sure to protect young banana plants from cold temperatures and frost, and to provide plenty of water and nutrients as they grow.
Burro banana taste
The burro banana is a type of banana that is known for its unique flavor and texture. It has a sweet, tangy taste with a hint of lemon, and is less sweet than other varieties of bananas like the Cavendish. The flesh of the burro banana is firm and dense, with a creamy texture that makes it a popular choice for baking and cooking.
When fully ripe, the skin of the burro banana turns bright yellow and develops brown spots. The flesh inside becomes soft and sweet, with a flavor that is some people find preferable for use in banana bread, muffins, and cakes. The burro banana can also be sliced and eaten raw, or used in smoothies and other blended drinks.
Some people describe the flavor of burro bananas as being slightly acidic or tart, which can make them a good choice for use in savory dishes like stews. Overall, the unique taste and texture of the burro banana make it a versatile and delicious ingredient in a wide variety of recipes.
Research information for burro bananas
There is limited research on the specific health benefits of burro bananas, but studies have shown that regular consumption of bananas can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Bananas may also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to improve digestive health.
Burro Banana Recipes
Burro Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe burro banana
1 cup walnut milk
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 tbsp agave
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
ice cubes
Instruction:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Fried Burro Bananas
Ingredients:
2 ripe burro bananas
1 tbsp sesame oil
Instruction:
1. Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the banana slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Green Burro Banana and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
2 green burro bananas, peeled and sliced (you mage choose to boil the bananas)
1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the green burro banana slices, avocado cubes, red onion slices, and red bell pepper slices.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
4. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.
Burro bananas vs Plantain
Burro bananas and plantains are both members of the banana family and share many similarities, but there are also some key differences between the two.
- In terms of appearance, burro bananas are smaller and shorter than plantains, with a thicker, yellow-green skin. Plantains are larger and longer, with a thicker, green skin that turns yellow or black as they ripen.
- Another difference between the two fruits is their flavor and texture. Burro bananas are sweeter and softer than plantains, with a texture that is similar to the common Cavendish banana. Plantains, on the other hand, have a starchy, slightly savory flavor and a firmer, denser texture.
- Also a main difference between burro bananas and plantains is their intended use. Burro bananas are primarily eaten raw or used in baking, while plantains are usually cooked before eating. Plantains are often fried, boiled, or mashed, and are a staple food in many Latin American and Caribbean countries.
- Due to their different flavor and texture profiles, they are often used in different types of recipes and cuisines.
References
– https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Burro_Bananas_601.php
– https://www.livescience.com/45250-banana-nutrition-facts.html
– https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas
– https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-are-burro-bananas
