Organic bananas are similar to regular bananas in terms of nutritional value. Both have the same mineral composition that varies in degree of concentration. The only difference between organic and regular bananas is the mode of cultivation. Organic bananas are produced without the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides while regular bananas involve the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in production.
Let’s compare organic and regular bananas under the following categories:
- Health
Since regular bananas are sprayed with chemicals, they have chemical deposits which are known to cause a wide variety of health-related issues. The spike in cancer cases is partly attributed to the consumption of regular bananas. Research has discovered a higher concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C in organic bananas than in regular bananas.
- Yield
Organic bananas are produced using traditional farming methods such as crop rotation, compost heap, and biological pest control methods. This makes them more susceptible to pests and diseases which results to lower yields. On the other hand, regular bananas produce high yields due to the application of synthetic chemicals for pest and disease control as well as the use of fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
- Cost
Organic bananas are more expensive, almost twice the cost of regular bananas. Organic bananas are grown in small thus contributing to higher prices due to limited supply.
- Fruit Morphology
Due to the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizer, regular bananas have thin and delicate skin making them easy to peel. Thin skin makes the bananas exposed to pathogens that penetrate the fleshy part of the fruit. Organic bananas have thick skin to protect them from pests and diseases. The thick skin of organic bananas makes them hard to peel.
- Impact on the environment
Organic bananas are eco-friendly since they do not require chemicals to produce. Regular bananas on the other hand are associated with environmental pollution since they are sprayed with synthetic chemicals to control pests and diseases. Fertilizers used to grow regular bananas may form part of surface runoff when it rains causing health hazards to aquatic life.
- Taste
Debate on the taste of organic and regular bananas remains unsettled. Depending on the type of banana that is preferred by an individual, proponents of organic bananas have advanced the idea that it tastes better while proponents of regular bananas have also drummed up support for it.
Taste depends on the person. What tastes sweeter for one person may be bitter for another person. It is hard to tell which type of bananas, organic or regular is better than the other.
Are Organic Bananas Better Than Regular Bananas?
There is no conclusive finding to establish whether organic bananas are better than regular bananas. The DNA of organic bananas is similar to regular bananas. The only difference between organic and regular bananas is in the mode of cultivation.
In terms of nutrient content, there is slightly little variation in the number of nutrients found in organic bananas and regular bananas. Organic bananas have higher vitamin and mineral concentrations as compared to regular bananas.
The nutritional value of organic and regular bananas also differs depending on the growth condition each crop is subjected to. Conditions such as soil type, temperature, and altitude.
Conclusion
Irrespective of the difference between organic and regular bananas, it is important for you to note that bananas have low calories, protein, and fats making them suitable for your body. You should make a point of making bananas part of your diet due to the huge health benefits they provide to the body.