Taiwang is the Governor's Favorite Banana!

by Dr. Lois Englberger

In discussions recently with Governor Johnny P. David on the topic of healthy local foods and the high nutrient content of Taiwang banana, he declared that in spite of what everyone may think or say about Taiwang banana, it is his favorite among all ripe bananas.

When asked if it would be all right to share with the public about this in order to promote Taiwang banana, he said, "yes, and remember to say that it is my FAVORITE banana!!"

Taiwang banana is a yellow-fleshed banana and contains valuable levels of provitamin A carotenoids. Thus, eating Taiwang may help to protect against health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, vitamin A deficiency, and anemia (weak blood).

Despite its good taste Taiwang has been considered as a lowly banana and has been used to feed pigs. One reason for this attitude is partly because Taiwang is so easy to grow. Some people have also said that they were told that it causes worms, but people should be assured that this is not true: unless the peeling of Taiwang has broken open, worms do not enter the fruit.

Governor David explained that another factor contributing to the low status of Taiwang is because it was the main banana that people had at the time of World War II.

Due to the health benefits and good taste of Taiwang it was selected as one of the categories for the Healthy Cooking Competition for World Food Day. People are encouraged to grow, eat, and market this banana for all its benefits.