Bananas originated in Malaysia 4,000 years ago, and were fist introduced into Africa before Portuguese explorers took them to the Americas in the late 15th century.

Although it looks like a tree, the banana grows on grows on a plant that belongs to the orchid family. There are hundreds of varieties, and they all fall into two distinct groups, the sweet variety and the plantain that is used for cooking.

In some Latin American countries tamales are sometimes steamed and served in banana leaves.

Today bananas are the second largest fruit crop with India, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico being the biggest producers.