The Big Island is the leading
banana producer in the state. It accounted for over 65% of the state's banana production
of over 13 million pounds, and supplied about 28% of the total state demand. In 1996, the
fruit was valued at around $3 million per year. The centers of banana production are
Keaau, Kurtistown and Kapoho in the Puna district. Cavendish and Dwarf Brazilian (apple)
are the two varieties of bananas grown commercially on the island with over 400 acres by
approximately 21 major growers. About 86% of the acreage is devoted to the Cavendish
variety. Banana is rich in potassium. The best eating bananas are those that are
completely yellow yet firm. Those that are covered with small brown spots, called
"sugar spots," are the sweetest.
The Big Island is the leading
banana producer in the state. It accounted for over 65% of the state's banana production
of over 13 million pounds, and supplied about 28% of the total state demand. In 1996, the
fruit was valued at around $3 million per year. The centers of banana production are
Keaau, Kurtistown and Kapoho in the Puna district. Cavendish and Dwarf Brazilian (apple)
are the two varieties of bananas grown commercially on the island with over 400 acres by
approximately 21 major growers. About 86% of the acreage is devoted to the Cavendish
variety. Banana is rich in potassium. The best eating bananas are those that are
completely yellow yet firm. Those that are covered with small brown spots, called
"sugar spots," are the sweetest.