When the banana is
ripe it contains a trace of starch, all the rest having been changed to
sugar. A ripe banana is mellow and sweet, but firm. The skin is either
entirely black, or black in spots, but the flesh is unspotted. The best
bananas can often be purchased for one-half of the price of those that
are not yet fit to eat.
Bananas are a rich food. Weight for weight they contain more nourishment
than Irish potatoes. A few nuts or a glass of milk and bananas make a
good meal. Bananas contain so much sugar that it is not necessary to
eat bread or other starches with them. Those with normal taste will not
spoil good bananas by adding sugar and cream. When well masticated the
flavor is excellent and can not be improved by using dressings.
Be sure that the children have learned to masticate well before giving
bananas, and then give only ripe ones. The flesh of the banana is so
smooth and slippery that children often swallow it in big lumps, and
then they frequently suffer.
Lemonade may be taken with fruit or flesh meals. As usually made it is
quite nourishing, for it contains considerable sugar. Those who are
troubled with sluggish liver may take it with benefit, but the less
sugar used the better.
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