When you think of bananas, you probably picture the Cavendish banana. It's the most common type of banana sold worldwide, and it's the one you'll find in most grocery stores. However, the Cavendish banana hasn't always been the top banana. In fact, it replaced another popular banana variety, the Gros Michel, which was almost completely wiped out by disease in the 1950s. So what's the difference between these two bananas? Let's take a closer look.
History of the Gros Michel Banana
The Gros Michel banana was the dominant banana variety in the world until the 1950s. It was a favorite among consumers due to its sweet, creamy taste and firm texture. However, the Gros Michel was susceptible to a fungus called Panama disease, which quickly spread throughout banana plantations in the 1950s.
The fungus caused the leaves of the plant to wilt and turn yellow, eventually killing the entire plant. This led to a devastating loss for banana farmers, who had to completely replace their Gros Michel crops with a new variety, the Cavendish banana.
Introduction of the Cavendish Banana
The Cavendish banana was first introduced in the 1950s as a replacement for the Gros Michel. It was a hardier variety that was resistant to Panama disease, which made it the perfect choice for banana farmers. The Cavendish also had a longer shelf life than the Gros Michel, which meant it could be transported further without spoiling.
The Cavendish quickly became the dominant banana variety worldwide, and it remains so to this day. It's estimated that 99% of all bananas sold in the world are Cavendish bananas.
Differences in Taste and Appearance
So what are the differences between the Cavendish and Gros Michel bananas? Well, in terms of appearance, they look very similar. Both have yellow skins and are roughly the same size and shape. However, the Cavendish is slightly longer than the Gros Michel and has a more pointed tip.
When it comes to taste, opinions are divided. Some people prefer the sweet, creamy taste of the Gros Michel, while others prefer the milder, slightly tangy taste of the Cavendish. The texture of the two bananas is also slightly different, with the Gros Michel being firmer than the Cavendish.
Nutritional Value
In terms of nutritional value, there isn't much difference between the Cavendish and Gros Michel bananas. Both are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. However, the exact nutritional content may vary slightly depending on the ripeness of the banana.
Availability
The Cavendish banana is by far the most widely available banana variety in the world. You'll find it in almost every grocery store and supermarket, and it's also exported to countries all over the world. However, the Gros Michel is much harder to find. It's still grown in some parts of the world, but it's not widely available in most countries.
The Future of Bananas
The Cavendish banana may be the dominant banana variety today, but it's not immune to disease. In fact, a new strain of Panama disease has emerged in recent years, which is affecting Cavendish crops around the world. This has led to concerns that the Cavendish may suffer the same fate as the Gros Michel, and that we may need to find a new banana variety to replace it.
Scientists are currently working on developing new, disease-resistant banana varieties. One possible candidate is the Goldfinger banana, which is resistant to both Panama disease and black sigatoka, another common banana disease. However, it remains to be seen whether the Goldfinger banana, or any other new variety, will be able to replace the Cavendish as the world's top banana.
Conclusion
The Cavendish banana and Gros Michel banana are two of the most popular banana varieties in the world. While the Cavendish is now the dominant variety, the Gros Michel was once the top banana until it was almost completely wiped out by disease. While there are some differences in taste and appearance between the two bananas, they are fairly similar in terms of nutritional value. However, the future of bananas is uncertain, and it's possible that we may need to find a new banana variety to replace the Cavendish in the future.