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| MY 1979 SKETCH OF BANANAS FROM LATIN AMERICA. |
Jerry and I were having just such a discussion the other day. I don't even remember what the discussion was about, but we agreed it was like comparing apples to oranges.
The only problem was Jerry said it was "like comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges," which kind of (kind of?) misses the entire point of the idiom. So, I suppose that makes this Jerryism #6.
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| MY 2012 PHOTO OF BANANAS FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS. |
But this really is just an excuse to tell you that yesterday Jerry bought a package of Canary Island bananas. These are the first bananas we've had in months. The first bananas we've had in Spain. And the first bananas we've ever had that were grown on the Canary Islands. They are exceptionally delicious. We can't say exactly what it is that makes them different from the bananas we've had in the past (from Mexico, and Central and South America). But they are somehow sweeter we think.
Or maybe we just have a bias toward anything from Spain.
I'm leaning toward banana bias, I think.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love a good Jerryism.
Bob:
DeleteYeah, I'm leaning toward bias, too... Except they really are so much better.
Poor Jerry: At first he didn't get the "bananas to green" analogy; saying it didn't make any sense. I said, "Exactly." I think his brain just works on a much higher plane.
Hello Mitch:
ReplyDeleteWe rather think that we are at one with Bob [above] here. But how wonderful that your particular bananas are invested with qualities which the rest of us may seldom, if ever, experience. Life should be like that.
J&L:
DeleteBut, have you ever tasted a banana grown in the Canary Islands? They are fertilized by pure, non-hybridized canary droppings and when fully ripe are canary yellow.
It's funny how things that are so prevalent in one area are rare in another.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's the fact that you haven't had bananas in a while that makes them sweeter. Much like seeing an old friend after an extended absence.
Savor the goodness
Stew:
ReplyDeleteOK, I suppose you're right... Except that these bananas also clearly reverse hair loss and reduce wrinkles. Trust me...
Or, maybe the bananas were so good because you have been banana-deprived.
ReplyDeleteWhen my sister and I visited Iceland five years ago, we discovered that nuts are almost non-existent there. None of the candy bars or snacks had nuts in them. They substituted cereal or cookie bits for crunch. The only nuts available were in tiny little cans that were available only in bars--and of course, really expensive.
Ms. Sparrow:
DeleteCheck out Will J's comment just below. It wasn't our imaginations. But, you're right about being banana-deprived!
I can't imagine living someplace without nuts (no puns intended) and it would never even cross my mind. Travel is wonderful for making you appreciate the differences (all kinds of differences) in the world. We have found no cottage cheese in Sevilla.
There is a reason for your perception, and you are right.
ReplyDeleteThe banana plantations in Central and South America that serve North American markets were developed in the 1800's. The Central and South American plantations are of the Gros Michel strain. The Canary Island bananas are a sub variety of the Dwarf Cavendish banana. "Cavendish bananas are shorter, blunter, duller coloured, and thinner skinned than Gros Michel. The flavour of most kinds is better, and they are preferred in Asia, where they are the leadign variety." Alan Davidson, The Oxford Companion to Food.
Will:
DeleteThank you so much for this fascinating information. I didn't even think to look it up. We had also noticed the physical differences that are described. I am so glad to know we weren't showing a bias. They really ARE better.
That Will J is so smart.
DeleteHe knows everything!
m.
Now I understand...can't wait to try one someday!
DeleteMark/Ron (and Will):
DeleteDon't you just love the name Dwarf Cavendish? So Spanish!
Bananas are my favorite because they have a peel.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteThat clean and efficient peel makes me very happy, too.
A banana for breakfast every day, either on its own, with muesli, with yoghurt, with porridge or sliced on a crispbread. Just read Will J's comment very interesting........just enjoy this beautiful yellow darling.
ReplyDeletethe cuby poet:
DeleteI agree with your banana every day for breakfast. I love it added to crunchy cereal like muesli). My OCD brother was once told by The Dowager Duchess (when he was about 12) that a banana a day is good for him. 40 years later, he still eats a banana every day. But he can never have 2 in the same day... because she said one a day is good for him. Who knows what 2 might do?
I love your drawing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. It's so old. I really need to push myself to get back to it. It's the most relaxing activity for me.
DeleteFunny you should be 'talking' about bananas! I just took out two loaves of banana bread from the oven! M-M-M good!
ReplyDeleteWere these bananas organic? We find a difference in the taste and sweetness of organic and non-organic....the organic ones are better to our liking. It's like comparing APPLES AND ORANGES!!!
Now, what's this about the banana peel? that turns your crank?!
Jim:
DeleteI LOVE banana bread. Jerry's mother used to make it for us. (We made it too, and it was delicious, but it tasted even better when her hands had been in the batter.)
As far as I know, these are not organic bananas.
As for the banana peel, that's just my anal-retentive streak rearing its ugly head. I love things that are neat, clean, and self-contained. "Organizer" stores are my favorite attraction.
I can understand that! says my 'a-r; self! Bet you hate peaches!! lol
Deletei love bananas! The kiddos at my work will only eat them if they are yellow no spots. no green. and sometimes they forget to peel them. LOL
ReplyDeletekisatrtle:
DeleteI used to be like the kiddos at your work. I've forced myself to loosen up over the years. I can manage some spots (on the outside) and a teeny, tiny bit of pale green is OK!
Are thet easier to peel Mitch? I only ask 'cause, hanging from the bars by one hairy arm, sometimes I find it difficult to peel bananas if my feet are cold.
ReplyDeleteChris:
DeleteThe ones we have are easier to peel. I've been managing it using only one foot.