Bananas; the food that every vegetarian and vegan can’t live without. In this post we take a closer look at Queensland Bananas.

Today in Australia, bananas are grown in both tropical and subtropical regions.  But did you know that the majority of our nation’s banana production is located right here in our own state? Queensland produced more than 95% of Australia’s bananas in 2014-2015, according to Business Queensland (2016).

Origins

Originally from Southeast Asia, traders helped bring them to further parts of the world – including our very own shores. Bananas were named because it is based on the word Banan meaning fingers in Arabic – when they became popular amongst early Arabian traders. But they barely resembled the fruit we know today. It wasn’t until the cross-breeding of two varieties of wild bananas that bananas became seedless and resembled the fruit we now know.

Healthy Snapshot

• High Fiber Content – both soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber has the tendency to slow down digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. This is why bananas are often included in a breakfast meal so that you can start your day with longer lasting energy.
• Where the heart is – According to a study by the University of Leeds in the UK, increasing consumption of fiber-rich foods such as bananas can lower risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Nutritional King – Bananas are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and B6. These all contribute to the proper functioning of the body and keeping you healthy.
• Potassium super fruit –  Bananas are known for their numerous health benefits – they can help regulating the heartbeat, blood pressure, and keep the brain alert. Potassium is important as it helps maintain fluid levels in the body and regulates the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells.
• Anemia Buster – Due to the high iron content in bananas, they are good for those suffering from anemia.

Suggestions

• Add a sliced banana to your morning cereal or oatmeal for a more nutritious breakfast.
• Like apple sauce, ripe mashed bananas can be used in baked goods to replace oil or butter. Mashed bananas lend a moist, naturally sweet flavour to muffins, cookies and cakes.
• Peel and freeze bananas for a great addition to any smoothie.
• Take a banana with you on your way to work or school for a healthy, portable snack.

If you’re looking for Refrigerated Transport in Brisbane, please click here.