National Banana Bread Day

Banana bread first became a standard feature of American cookbooks with the popularization of baking soda and baking powder in the 1930s, appeared in Pillsbury’s 1933 Balanced Recipes cookbook, and later gained more acceptance with the release of the original Chiquita Banana’s Recipe Book in 1950.The origin of the first banana bread recipe is unknown, though some speculate it was originated in the 18th century by housewives experimenting with pearlash. The home baking revival of the 1960s and the simplicity of its recipe led to an explosion in banana bread’s popularity.

Five fun facts:

1. Most banana breads are quick breads and contain no yeast but do contain baking powder.
2. More bananas are sold than any other fruit in the United States. Believe it or not, 96% of American households purchase bananas at least once a month!
3. When ten or more bananas grow on a single stem they are known as a hand. Individual bananas, it follows, are called fingers. Bananas are generally sold in clusters of four to six in the store.
4. Green tipped bananas are considered to be the best for cooking side dishes with. When they are yellow with brown flecks or riper they are great for using in breads, cookies, and shakes, but are generally too soft and sweet for cooking.
5. Alexander the Great conquered parts of India in 327 BCE and “discovered” bananas. Archaeological record clearly indicates that the banana had been cultivated well before that, but his is thought to be the first written record of this delightful fruit.

Five banana bread recipes:

1. Banana-Nut-Chocolate Chip Quick Bread – Filled with heart-healthy chocolate and walnuts, this quick bread recipe can be baked in loaves, as a cake or as muffins.
2. Banana Bread– a classic recipe.
3. Wholegrain Chocolate Banana Bread– This is a healthy recipe that can be used for breakfast, dessert or snack and is so good for all ages. It can be made in any shape too, loaf pan, cake pan or even muffins.
4. Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread– tastes just like regular banana bread, but without the gluten.
5. Banana Bread French Toast – French toast is extra special when made with banana bread.

Click for more banana bread recipes.

Nutritional information per 60 g slice of banana bread:

Calories:  196
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates:  33 g
Cholesterol: 26 mg
Sodium:  181 mg
Protein:  3 g