Why Is the Banana Bent?

The characteristic slight curvature of bananas is caused by the growth of the fruit. The bananas first grow downwards, then, due to the hormones, first turn outwards and later upwards – the banana becomes crooked.

Bananas are harvested unripe when they are still green. Otherwise, they would burst open and develop a mealy taste. It takes a full twelve months before the fruits can be harvested. The banana plant bears fruit only once. The aerial part of the plant dies after harvest. New small saplings develop at the base of the perennial, on which new perennials with crooked bananas will soon grow.