One Banana

Tell me my friend did you ever see bananas growing on banana tree
Well you may see seven or you may see three
But you’ll never see one alone

My kids love love love bananas. When my 3-year-old was only 1 and a half, I had to set a “2 bananas a day” limit. My kids eat bananas almost every day. 

We just tried “red bananas” for the first time, but Mr. 3 and I didn’t really care for them. Wikipedia describes red bananas as softer, sweeter, and with a slight mango flavor. That’s probably why I didn’t like them. After 28 years (tomorrow!) of eating bananas I expect them to taste like bananas. My pre-schooler doesn’t have the luxury of that excuse, but every one has a right to enjoy the foods that they like.

(Just count) One banana, two banana, one for me and one for you banana
Count three or four or even more banana ’cause banana can’t grow alone

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruit on the planet, according to this article from LiveScience. That article goes on to describe a number of health benefits, including but not limited to:

• Controlling weight loss
• preventing type II diabetes
• protect against high blood pressure
• help overcome depression
• maintain vision

Well this banana, she’s a pretty sight, she wears a yellow dress in the
Bright sunlight
She got her friends and neighbors to the left and right
‘Cause banana can’t grow alone

The banana peel is also packed with lots of nutrients and is eaten in many parts of the world. Our tour guide on our last cruise to Jamaica was trying to explain how to make mashed bananas, and what I took away from that discussion was that you boil the whole banana like potatoes and then mash them. She did not mention peeling them to my recollection. I have yet to try this, but I am curious.

(Just count) One banana, two banana, one for me and one for you banana
Count three or four or even more banana ’cause banana can’t grow alone

Some fun facts from various sources:

• Bananas float in water, as do apples and watermelons. (Source, and tested at home.)
• Bananas don’t grow on trees, they grow on a plant officially labeled as an herb. They can grow up to 25 feet tall and are therefore the largest herb. (Source, not tested at home)
• Bananas may be the oldest cultivated fruit. Archeologists can trace bananas all the way back to 8000 BC. (Source)

Well I think banana is like you and me, needing friends and neighbors and a
Family
Let us take a lesson from banana tree, ’cause banana can’t grow alone

I’m not a huge fan of Sesame Street; I didn’t watch it growing up. I do really like this song, though. I especially like how it tells kids that family and friends are important and will help you grow. That’s just really sweet.

(Everybody sing) One banana, two banana, one for me and one for you banana
Count three or four or even more banana ’cause banana can’t grow alone

Q: Why did the banana go out with the prune?

A: Because he couldn’t find a date. (Source)