Difference between Banana and Apple
Bananas are a type of fruit produced by the banana tree. Bananas can be yellow, purple, or even red. The most popular and common banana is the one that is yellow, soft, and sweet. Plantains are firmer and starchier, but some people use the term interchangeably with banana.
Apples are fruit produced by apple trees and are the most commonly grown tree fruits. Symbols of sin in the Christian religion, apples have also been a part of Norse and Greek mythology as well as German paganism. Apples are roundish in shape and come in a wide variety of colors and textures, from red and soft to green and firm.
History of Bananas and Apples
Bananas are native to tropical areas such as Southeast Asia and Africa, but have been domesticated in other tropical regions. Evidence shows banana cultivation in Madagascar from about the 6th century, but was likely brought to that region. Wild species of bananas can be found in the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
Apple trees were initially from Asia, but there are over 7,500 types of apple trees in existence today. China is the leading producer of apples, with the United States coming in second. Eastern Turkey is the origin of the apple tree and is perhaps the first type of tree ever to be cultivated.
Uses of Bananas and Apples
Bananas are eaten alone as snack food, and baked into bread. Bananas are cooked into puddings, poured into pie shells, and covered with whipped cream. Aside from the flesh of the banana, banana hearts (the flower) are eaten as vegetables and taste like an artichoke. The leaves of bananas are used as disposable plate in Southeast Asia, and can be used as a shell to grill food in.
Apples are eaten as snacks, just like bananas, and can be made into pies, breads, muffins and more. Apple juice and wine is made by squeezing the fruit and removing the pulp. Applesauce and apple butter are favorite treats, and Halloween celebrations would not be the same without caramel apples!
Pests and Diseases of Bananas and Apples
Bananas in their most common form, the Cavendish, might actually become difficult to cultivate within the next two decades due to lack of genetic diversity. Soil fungus called Panama Disease is another problem bananas are prone to suffer from which causes nutrients and water to be diverted away from the root system, which leads to a wilted plant.
Apple trees can fall victim to many pests and diseases. Commercial operations of apple orchards use chemical sprays to maintain healthy crops of apples, but many consumers have pushed orchard owners to a growing trend of organic pest management. Mildew, aphids, and apple scab are common ailments of apples, but there are plenty of organic methods to treat such problems.
Summary
- Bananas and apples are extremely popular fruits that are grown commercially for the widespread enjoyment of people across the globe.
- Bananas in their wild form contain large seeds, but the popular banana variety has a soft, sweet flesh that is without seeds.
- Transported to market before they ripen, bananas tend to go bad quickly after they turn yellow.
- Apples are known for their nutritional value and sweet, tart, juicy, and crunchy appeal.
- The use of apples in all sorts of recipes is prolific. You can literally make just about anything out of apples! Apple cake, pudding, bread, juice, and jellies are all possible from apples.
