{"title":"Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore Melissa's exotic bananas. Experience sweet manzano bananas, baby bananas and plantains. When it comes to bananas, we don’t monkey around!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"organic-bananas","title":"Organic Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 2 hands (about 4.5 Pounds)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Ecuador\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBananas are low in sodium, high in potassium, and contains approximately 6 vitamins and 11 other minerals! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe banana is many times considered nature’s perfect food because it offers so many health benefits. It is low in sodium, high in potassium, and contains approximately 6 vitamins and 11 other minerals!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe common banana, or the Cavendish Banana, is native to tropical countries like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The banana is truly popular worldwide.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis can be served in a multitude of different ways in breakfast items like cereal, pancakes, and waffles; chilled fruit juice, fruit salads, desserts, and even poultry or meats.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelissa’s Organic Bananas are hand-selected for excellent quality. As is true with most bananas, the Organic Banana is harvested green and then allowed to ripen while transported to its destination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvoid bananas with split skins. Bananas with brown or black spotted peels only indicate ripeness, while the fruit itself remains unchanged. Store at room temperature. Once ripe, bananas may be refrigerated for a few days.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #cc0017;\"\u003eThis item is perishable and must ship at least 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e Day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017;\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAny orders that do not have the appropriate shipping method selected will not be shipped out. For assistance, please call us at 800-588-0151. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"2 hands (about 4.5 Pounds)","offer_id":39978320396332,"sku":"1371","price":12.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/products\/image-of-organic-bananas-organics-14763756421164.jpg?v=1616958064"},{"product_id":"plantain-bananas","title":"Plantain Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 3 Pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin: Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh plantains offer endless culinary possibilities! Enjoy them sweet or savory – fried, baked, mashed, or as a delicious addition to stews and soups. These premium, hand-selected plantains bring a touch of the tropics to your kitchen with their naturally sweet, starchy flavor. Easy to prepare, they're ready to inspire your culinary creativity!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSavory:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTostones:\u003c\/strong\u003e The classic! Twice-fried plantains make a crispy, salty snack or side dish. Serve them with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or a spicy chimichurri.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantain chips (Chifles):\u003c\/strong\u003e Thinly slice the plantains, fry until crisp, and season with salt or your favorite spices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMofongo:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Puerto Rican specialty where plantains are mashed with garlic, olive oil, and often crispy pork bits (chicharrones). Deliciously filling comfort food.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantain Patties:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grate plantains, mix with seasoning, and pan-fry into savory fritters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSweet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFried sweet plantains (Maduros):\u003c\/strong\u003e Let the plantains ripen until very dark. Fry in butter and a sprinkle of sugar or cinnamon until caramelized and tender.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantain Pancakes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mash ripe plantains and use like a banana in pancake batter. Extra flavorful!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantain Bread: \u003c\/strong\u003eSimilar to banana bread, use ripe plantain for a moist, sweet loaf.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlantain Smoothie:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend ripe or frozen plantains with milk, yogurt, a touch of sweetness, and spices for a tropical-tasting breakfast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to choose? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends on the ripeness level of your plantains!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen:\u003c\/strong\u003e Better for savory dishes where you want starchiness\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYellow with black spots:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfectly versatile for both savory or sweet\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery dark\/black:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for sweet dishes since they will be the most sugary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to store?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Plantains (unripe):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoom temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store on the counter away from direct sunlight. They'll ripen in about a week.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed up ripening:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you need them to ripen faster, place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYellow Plantains (ripening):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoom temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep at room temperature and use within a few days as they continue to ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipe Plantains (yellow with black spots or very dark):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoom temperature: \u003c\/strong\u003eBest used immediately for maximum sweetness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefrigerator: \u003c\/strong\u003eRefrigerate for 2-3 days more to slow down further ripening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreezer: \u003c\/strong\u003eFor longer storage, peel and slice ripe plantains and freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvoid storing plantains in areas with high humidity.\u003cbr\u003eDo not store ripe plantains in the refrigerator for too long, or they may develop a mushy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #cc0017; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThis item is perishable and must ship at least 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eAny orders that do not have the appropriate shipping method selected will not be shipped out. For assistance, please call us at 800-588-0151.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReviewed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.melissas.com\/pages\/nutrition\"\u003eMelissa's Nutritionist\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"3 Pounds","offer_id":44472996266028,"sku":"166","price":12.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/files\/image-of-plantain-bananas-fruit-1125636494.jpg?v=1743861422"},{"product_id":"red-bananas","title":"Red Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 5 Pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Ecuador\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBananas are revered as one of the world's divine foods. You have never experienced bananas like this small, red variety unless you've visited Ecuador or Central America. They are smaller in size than the common Cavendish banana and have a creamy white to pink flesh, with a slight raspberry flavor. They can be sliced and dried or eaten raw in salads, but are usually eaten fresh out of hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRed Bananas, when ripe, should have a purplish hue. Choose slightly firm Red Bananas and avoid bruises or cracks. Store Red Bananas uncovered at room temperature. Turn occasionally. To prepare for frying, simply cut off ends and peel. Season with fresh herbs from Melissa’s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeel and enjoy raw, eaten out of hand. Slice and add to fruit salads, fry, or leave whole for decorative use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReviewed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.melissas.com\/pages\/nutrition\"\u003eMelissa's Nutritionist\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"5 Pounds","offer_id":39574859448364,"sku":"46","price":22.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/files\/5-pounds-image-of-red-bananas-fruit-36249041207340.jpg?v=1708995701"},{"product_id":"burro-bananas","title":"Burro Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 5 Pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:  Mexico\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBananas are extremely versatile. They can be eaten out of hand, baked or added to fruit salads and desserts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimilar to the well-known Cavendish banana, the Burro Banana is flatter, smaller and more square, yet just as versatile. The Burro Banana, from Mexico, is available year-round and has a tangy lemon flavor. Once ripe, the soft flesh is creamy white or yellow with some firmness toward the center.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsed when firm, the Burro banana can be sliced and added to cereals or made into banana chips (see recipe below). When softer, they can also be mashed and used in cakes, Bananas Foster and other dessert recipes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBurro Bananas from Melissa’s are hand-selected for excellent quality. As is true with most bananas, Burro Bananas are harvested green and allowed to ripen while transported to their destination. When ripe, the skin is yellow with black spots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBananas with brown or black spotted peels only indicate ripeness, while the fruit itself remains unchanged. Store at room temperature. Once ripe, Burro Bananas may be refrigerated for a few days. Freezing is not recommended.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"5 Pounds","offer_id":40076974030892,"sku":"528","price":17.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/products\/5-pounds-image-of-burro-bananas-fruit-29921637007404.jpg?v=1648078698"},{"product_id":"banana-sampler","title":"Banana Sampler","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 8 pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Multiple Origins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFresh from the tropics, a rare selection of the finest \"hands\" of bananas make up this assortment, which may include the following varieties: \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaby Bananas, which are snack-sized and have a sweet flavor, with a hint of cinnamon aftertaste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe creamy, sweet, chunky shaped Burro Bananas have a slight taste of lemon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Red Bananas are creamy white to pink fleshed and flavored with a hint of raspberry blended with notes of vanilla.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManzano Bananas, with their stubby looking fingers, have a sweet taste with flavors of gourmet apples and tones of strawberries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlantains, known as \"cooking bananas\" have the best texture and flavor for sautéeing and are popular when served battered and deep fried.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nBananas may serve as a daily source of potassium and fiber.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThis item is perishable and must ship at least 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017;\"\u003eAny orders that do not have the appropriate shipping method selected will not be shipped out. For assistance, please call us at 800-588-0151.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32753679433772,"sku":"59","price":28.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/products\/image-of-banana-sampler-fruit-14764386811948.jpg?v=1616893029"},{"product_id":"baby-bananas","title":"Baby Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 5 Pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Ecuador\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConsidered a food staple around the world, there are over 300 varieties of bananas worldwide. Baby Bananas, although somewhat smaller than the most popular yellow Cavendish banana, are actually sweeter. Native to tropical and sub-tropical areas like Central and South America, the Caribbean and Mexico, small crops are also grown in California and Florida. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidely used in Latin American, African and Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine, Melissa’s Baby Bananas are amazingly versatile. Shaped like miniature slender bananas, this small, crunchy specialty banana is usually eaten out of hand or sliced raw for use in fruit salads. Peeled Baby Bananas can also be left whole and gently baked or flambeed with brown sugar, brandy or rum. Baby Bananas should not be confused with Manzanos, which are a somewhat different shape and not as sweet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeel and leave whole for decorative use. Slice and add to fruit salads.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"5 Pounds","offer_id":45133124993068,"sku":"84","price":11.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/files\/image-of-baby-bananas-fruit-1125636630.jpg?v=1738797931"},{"product_id":"cavendish-bananas","title":"Cavendish Bananas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\/Pack: 2 hands (about 4.5 pounds)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonality: Year Round\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Ecuador\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese yellow bananas are the most widely used and classic banana variety that you’ve grown up with. Cavendish have been the staple lunchbox variety since the late 1950s, and for good reason! This variety has year-round availability, is disease resistant, and features a classic banana flavor.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBananas contain many essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs, including fiber and potassium.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCavendish ripen from bright green to a striking golden yellow. If you let them sit around in the fruit basket, they’ll develop a sun-kissed spotted brown look, that will eventually develop into a deep, dark brown.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEveryone has a different preference when it comes to the ideal eating stage, but the truth is you can actually eat them in all phases. Green bananas are great for making bananas chips, and you can even add to smoothies. For overripe bananas, they shine in bread recipes, pancakes, cookies and oatmeal – even ice cream! Bananas, in general, are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten out of hand, baked or added to fruit salads, desserts and more.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis item is perishable and must ship at least 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e Day.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0017;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny orders that do not have the appropriate shipping method selected will not be shipped out. For assistance, please call us at 800-588-0151.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melissas Produce","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34577744691244,"sku":"2008","price":9.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0336\/7167\/5948\/files\/image-of-cavendish-bananas-fruit-1125636784.jpg?v=1738786433"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.melissas.com\/collections\/bananas.oembed?constraint=available_for_sale_online","provider":"Melissas Produce","version":"1.0","type":"link"}