Most Americans donāt 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 nationsā¦
With Hawaii being the largest US producer of bananas (followed by Florida, the only other place in our nation that grows them at scaleā¦), it was there on the island of KauaŹ»i, where theyāre sold at farmerās 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 ā one that goes all around the globe impacting many diverse food cultures for way more than a millenniumā¦. (Become a PATREON supporter for more in depth food history. If you are already I look fwd to you redeeming your perks!ā¦Thank you!)
But for now, (š„ š¢ļø drumrollā¦. ) Hereās:
Madame Bakerās Banana BONUS CONTENTā¦
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 Bakerās magnificent multi-hyphenate career. Perhaps the most successful African American performer in Franceās history, her lifeās work exemplified the profound impact entertainers can have on positively impacting the world.
About JBās āBanana 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 wasnāt just one style (of banana varieties ā made of fake bananas ā although a few of the ones in that middle pic look kinda real) ā¦ There are a lot of contextual layers to unpack hereā¦ but for brevityās sake for now: She danced in different banana skirts during her performances during the 1920ās in the Folies BergĆØre in Paris where it became forever connected with her name and enduring legacyā¦.
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 āDear Josephineā held at the newly opened Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklynā¦
Hit me up over on my PATREON if you want more on this nonfiction narrative ā or to see and make the custom cocktail for yourself š¹š ā¦ Heck I might even make it FOR YOU depending on what Patreon package you pick! šā¦ Current Patreon Peeps message me there and & iāll share it with you :)