Bananas are grown in the tropics, where they are picked and shipped green. These are one of the few fruits that ripen better off the bush, according to Epicurious. Americans favor the Cavendish, one of hundreds of banana species.
Significance
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a medium banana -- measuring 7 to 7 7/8 inches long -- provides 105 calories. An extra large banana -- measuring 9 or more inches -- provides 135 calories. An extra small banana -- measuring less than 6 inches -- provides 72 calories.
Features
A medium banana supplies 422 mg potassium and 19 phytosterols in addition to the calories it provides. An extra large banana supplies 544 mg potassium and 24 mg phytosterols. An extra small banana supplies 290 mg potassium and 13 phytosterols.
Bananas also provide nutrients such as folate, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Considerations
FoodReference.com states that the average banana contains 0.6 g of fat. A medium banana provides 3.1 g of dietary fiber.
Tips
Epicurious explains how to ripen bananas at home, keep them uncovered at room temperature. To speed up the ripening process, place the bananas in a perforated brown paper bag. Ripe bananas may be refrigerated for several days; the peel will turn brown, but the fruit inside will remain fresh.
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