Gros Michel banana

Gros Michel Banana

The Gros Michel banana, also known as Big Mike, is a triploid cultivar of the wild banana species Musa acuminata. It was the main export banana to Europe and North America up until the 1950s, when it was largely replaced by the Cavendish banana due to a devastating fungus known as Panama disease.

History

The Gros Michel banana was first discovered in Southeast Asia and was brought to the Americas by French botanist Nicolas François Antoine Baudin in the early 19th century. It quickly became the most popular banana variety due to its sweet taste and thick skin, which made it ideal for shipping. However, its popularity led to its downfall, as the monoculture farming practices used to grow it made it susceptible to Panama disease.

Characteristics

The Gros Michel banana is larger and has a more robust flavor compared to the Cavendish banana. It has a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly tart taste. The skin is a bright yellow when ripe and is thicker than that of other banana varieties, making it more resistant to bruising.

Cultivation

Today, the Gros Michel banana is still grown in areas where Panama disease is not present. It is primarily grown in small-scale plantations in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. However, it is no longer the dominant banana variety in the global market due to the continued threat of Panama disease.

In popular culture

The Gros Michel banana is often cited in discussions about biodiversity and the dangers of monoculture farming. It is also the subject of the popular song "Yes, We Have No Bananas", which was written during a shortage of Gros Michel bananas in the 1920s.

See also

• Banana
• Banana Cultivar Groups
• Banana production in the Caribbean
• Banana production in Costa Rica
• Banana production in Honduras
• Banana production in the Philippines