Main image via Oddity Central
Fruit farmers in Okayama, Japan, have developed a special variety of banana called the Mongee Banana, which has edible skin. Apparently, the skin isn’t tasty, but it’s thinner and less bitter than the skin of regular bananas.
Image via Oddity Central
The Mongee Banana (BTW, Mongee is Okayama's slang for 'incredible') was created by scientists at D&T Farm in Okayama Prefecture using an innovative method called Freeze Thaw Awakening. This method recreates growing conditions from 20,000 years ago, at the end of the ice age.
Image via Oddity Central
The scientists froze banana saplings to -60 degrees Celsius (that’s cold weh!) and then planted them again as the saplings began to thaw. This procedure activated an ancient part of their DNA, which allows the plant to grow and thrive in Japan's cold climate, and accelerates their development as well. Compared to tropical varieties of bananas, which need about two years to grow and ripen, Mongee Bananas ripen in just four months!
And because they’re grown in Japan’s cooler climate, Mongee Bananas don’t have any natural predators. So, they’re also pesticide free.
More bananas for everyone!
Article via Oddity Central
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