Don’t Worry, Bananas Aren’t Going to Go Extinct

Photo by Mockup Graphics on Unsplash

Until not that long ago, the most popular banana variety in the world was the Gros Michael (Big Mike). When you get something with artificial banana flavoring in it, it’s Gros Michael flavored.

Then a blight destroyed the banana crop. Instead of diversifying, the world turned to a blight-resistant variety, the Cavendish. All Cavendish banana trees are clones.

Well, guess what?

It’s. Happening. Again.

Panama Disease

The culprit is a fungal blight called Panama disease. It’s not that fast spreading, but it’s very difficult to treat and prevent.

And most grocery stores in the U.S. only sell Cavendish bananas. It’s like if all the apples were Red Delicious and we just called them apples.

This is leading to banana lovers panicking. There won’t be any bananas!

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Relax, People

There are actually 1,000s of varieties of banana! It’s just that the Cavendish gives high yield and is easier to transport. Additionally, plantains are also bananas. What we call “bananas” are dessert bananas…