AU: New blemished bananas unveiled in Perth

New bunches of Carnarvon bananas have hit WA shelves and while the fruit might not look as pretty as blemish-free counterparts, growers say it tastes as good and costs less.

Big WA banana co-operative Sweeter Bananas says it is a breakthrough for a major supermarket to sell marked produce.

Coles will unveil the newly branded Smoothies bananas in Claremont today and grower Catriona Nixon said it was promising for good fruit and vegetables not to be judged solely on appearance but on eating quality.

In the past, supermarkets were unwilling to accept wonderful tasting fruit with any marks, she said.

Because Carnarvon bananas are grown in a sub-tropical environment, the trees are closer together to help trap and store heat. As a result, leaves from neighbouring trees can mark the skin of the fruit.

Mrs Nixon said 20 to 50 per cent of bananas on some plantations could be marked. Growers tried to sell them through smaller retailers but some were wasted.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said consumers were putting a higher priority on WA food.


Source: thewest.com.au

Publication date: 6/2/2009