Banana (ripe)
Description
A ripe banana has a sweet, creamy flavor and a soft, easily mashable texture; the skin is yellow, often with brown spots indicating full ripeness, and the flesh is light and aromatic. It is rich in simple carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, providing quick energy, supporting heart function, electrolyte balance, and digestion, while vitamin B6 aids in neurotransmitter synthesis. In the kitchen, a ripe banana is great for smoothies, baking (banana bread, cakes), as an addition to cereals, yogurt, or pancakes, and also for freezing to make "nice cream" desserts. Store at room temperature for immediate consumption; to slow down ripening, place in the refrigerator (the skin will darken, but the flesh will remain). Peeling and portioning before freezing makes later use easier.
