Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/744537
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2016 37 GABY HOLLAND BANANAS must be among the most popular fruits on earth. Loved by infants and elders for their creamy, rich, and sweet flesh. Aside from being very nutri- tious, they are easy to peel and eat on the go, making them a highly convenient snack food. Native to Southeast Asia, they are now grown in many warmer parts of the world. There are many types of bananas available, which vary in colour, size and shape and firmness. The most common type is the yellow ba- nana, which is green when not ripe. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called plantains. Bananas are known to be a good source of vitamins, miner- als and fibre all wrapped up in a convenient, protective pack- age. Bananas are especially high in potassium (just one banana contains 467mg of potassium), which plays an important part in lowering blood pressure and controlling the heart, they are also rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, fibre, flavonoids, and antiox- idants. When eaten in modera- tion they are a great weight loss food – (a medium sized banana contains 110 calories) and have no fat, no sodium, and no cho- lesterol. Also because they taste sweet and are filling, they help curb cravings. They also help sustain blood sugar levels during workouts. Store bananas in a fruit bowl rather than the fridge, as the cold temperature will make the skins go black, (the fruit inside re- mains perfect for eating though). They'll also make everything else in the fridge smell like bananas. Bananas are best eaten when firm but yield slightly to the touch. However, overripe banan- as also have their uses. They're ideal for using, mashed up, to make muffins, loaves, ice cream and smoothies. Fine food of the week Food GABY HOLLAND Ingredients • 2 eggs • 1 ripe banana • ½ cup oats • 3 tbsp coconut milk (any other milk will do too) • 1 tsp vanilla • ½ tsp cinnamon Method 1. Pulse oats in a blender until fine. 2. Mash the banana with a fork until quite smooth and place in a bowl. 3. Mix in the eggs and stir in the oats and milk. 4. Add cinnamon and vanilla and give all a final stir. 5. Let the mixture sit for a few mins before cooking the pancakes. 6. In the meantime assem- ble your favourite toppings which can include Greek yo- ghurt, honey, chopped nuts and fruit. 7. To make pancakes use a small (12cms) non-stick pan. 8. Lightly butter and add a small ladle of pancake mix- ture, just enough to cover the base. 9. Cook over a medium heat until small bubbles appear on the surface. 10. Flip over and cook for a few more seconds. 11. Serve with your preferred toppings. Recipe of the week Fun facts You can freeze bananas, but if you refrigerate them, they'll turn black. • Bananas probably originated in Malaysia, transported by early explorers to India, where they were first referenced in 6th century BCE Buddhist writings. • Alexander the Great tried his first banana while on campaign in India and is said to have brought the fruit to the Western world. • The banana skin is also edible when cooked. • The banana itself is considered a berry. • The correct name for a bunch of bananas is a hand; a single banana is a finger. • Bananas are also called plantains. But in general use, banana refers to the sweeter form of the fruit, which is often eaten uncooked, while plantain refers to a starchier fruit that is often cooked before eating. • There are 50 recognized species of banana. • Wild bananas grow throughout Southeast Asia, but most are inedible for humans, as they are studded with hard seeds. • To whiten teeth naturally, rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for about two minutes every night. If you gargle with salt water, this will heighten the effect. Expect results in about two weeks. It works because of the effect of the potassium, magnesium, and manganese in the banana peel. • Bananas make a great conditioner that helps restore dry, damaged hair. Mash a banana and add a tablespoon of heavy cream and a tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Then apply it to dry hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and then wrap your head in a warm towel. Leave it on for up to an hour and then rinse thoroughly with warm water before shampooing. Bananas for bananas Oats and banana pancakes