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April 17th is šŸŒ Banana Day! (You Know About JB's 1926 Banana Dance?)...

Most Americans don’t realize there are more than a thousand banana varieties grown around the globe. No wonder considering that ONE variety has been the most popular and consistently available in the continental US. Countries and culinary cultures that consume the most bananas include: Uganda, New Zealand, India, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Cameroon and countless other Africana and South Asian nations…

With Hawaii being the largest US producer of bananas (followed by Florida, the only other place in our nation that grows them at scale…), it was there on the island of KauaŹ»i, where they’re sold at farmer’s markets as local produce (duh) that during one family trip I was able to get up close and personal with a few other, more petite (and sometimes more sweet!) banana varieties:

Bananas have a BIG story — one that goes all around the globe impacting many diverse food cultures for way more than a millennium…. (Become a PATREON supporter for more in depth food history. If you are already I look fwd to you redeeming your perks!…Thank you!)

But for now, (🄁 šŸ›¢ļø drumroll…. ) Here’s:

Madame Baker’s Banana BONUS CONTENT…

JosƩphine Baker (b. June 3rd 1906 - April 12th, 1975)

World acclaimed performer, Counter-Intelligence Spy! (World War II ), and Civil Rights activist are just some of the titles to describe Josephine Baker’s magnificent multi-hyphenate career. Perhaps the most successful African American performer in France’s history, her life’s work exemplified the profound impact entertainers can have on positively impacting the world.

About JB’s ā€œBanana Danceā€: Josephine Baker's banana skirt is one of the most iconic pieces of costumed clothing in world history. As you can see from the few pics above, there wasn’t just one style (of banana varieties — made of fake bananas — although a few of the ones in that middle pic look kinda real) … There are a lot of contextual layers to unpack here… but for brevity’s sake for now: She danced in different banana skirts during her performances during the 1920’s in the Folies BergĆØre in Paris where it became forever connected with her name and enduring legacy….

I had the honor and pleasure of designing a beautiful and DELICIOUS custom cocktail for Mademoiselle Baker earlier this year at a special documentary screening of ā€œDear Josephineā€ held at the newly opened Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn…

Hit me up over on my PATREON if you want more on this nonfiction narrative — or to see and make the custom cocktail for yourself šŸ¹šŸ˜‹ … Heck I might even make it FOR YOU depending on what Patreon package you pick! šŸ˜†ā€¦ Current Patreon Peeps message me there and & i’ll share it with you :)

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