Bananas grow in humid tropical regions in the U.S., particularly Hawaii and Florida. These areas are characterized by deep fertile soils and warm temperatures, an ideal environment for the growth of bananas. However, commercial production of bananas in the U.S. is very minimal in terms of scale and economic effect.
Does the U.S. Grow Bananas?
Yes, there are regions that grow bananas in America. Hawaii is the leading producer of bananas in the United States. It mainly produces conventional Cavendish banana type and Hawaiian Apple bananas.
Bananas in Hawaii
The banana produced in Hawaii is for local consumption due to the high cost of production incurred in labor and land. Banana production in Hawaii has plummeted over time.
Major growing areas on Hawaii island are Puna, Hilo, and the Hamakua coast.
The Hawaiian Apple banana is the most-grown banana variety in Hawaii. This is because of its ability to withstand Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBVT) as compared to other viruses.
There are many counties in Hawaii where banana cultivation is done, namely; Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu. The total landmass under banana production is about 246 acres.
Banana Growing in Florida
Florida also produces a substantial amount of bananas that can be exported. Florida is the biggest banana producer in the U.S. Florida produces Thai and cooking bananas (Bluggoe type). Florida has become the leading exporter of bananas in the US. There average land mass under banana production in Florida is roughly 500 acres.
U.S. banana producers are adjusting their production techniques to increase the quantity and quality of bananas that they produce. They are adopting organic and special production in Florida and other south coast regions.
The total land under banana cultivation in Florida is approximately 500 acres. The banana that is grown in Florida is the Cavendish type. The growth of bananas in Florida is enhanced by the prevailing sub-tropical environment. Banana is mainly grown in Southern and Northern Florida.
Banana plantations provide employment opportunities in Florida since intensive labor is required during the cultivation process. Banana cultivation has also improved the economic status of the people living in Florida.
Other Banana-Producing States in America
Several states independently produce bananas. Independent banana cultivation in the U.S. is wide and varying. In some regions, the banana fields are continually plowed and planted for a longer time, a practice that is almost similar to plantation farming.
Apart from Hawaii and Florida, you may see banana plantations in the following areas:
- California
- Arizona
- Texas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- South and North Carolina.
These areas mainly export bananas at the local level. These states produce different types of bananas according to prevailing support conditions. The banana type produced in these states includes Cavendish, Bluggoe, Ice Cream, Red Dacca, Balbisiana, Ladyfinger, Pisano Awak, Gold finger, and Latundan.
Banana cultivation is not an all-around activity in some parts of the United States that experience similar climate conditions to banana growing regions in inland south-central and eastern China. These regions are northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, mountain Tennessee, southern Kansas, southern Midwest, and along river Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia.
U.S. Companies Import Most Bananas
The country has relied on banana imports from other countries to bridge the deficit in demand. Banana import is mainly from South and Central America. The U.S. has previously owned and still owns large tracts of banana plantations in these countries.
Dole and Chiquita, the U.S-owned fruit companies that deal in banana trade have long been used to control banana imports in banana-producing countries.