The Evolution of Banana Flavor in Confections: A Trip Through Time
Have you ever wondered why banana-flavored confections don’t taste like the bananas you find in the grocery store? The answer to this discrepancy lies in the history and development of artificial banana flavors.
Why Banana-Flavored Candy Doesn't Taste Like Bananas
The artificial banana flavor in candies and other confections is not based on the Cavendish bananas we commonly find in grocery stores. Instead, it is derived from a different variety known as the Gros Michel, or the Big Mike. This distinction explains the difference in taste between the familiar banana candy flavor and the taste of freshly ripened Cavendish bananas.
A Taste of the Past
One of the earliest chemical compounds used in artificial flavors was isoamyl acetate, which was confirmed to be present in actual bananas. This compound is responsible for the characteristic banana flavor in many confections. When you bite into a piece of banana Laffy Taffy, you are experiencing a taste reminiscent of the bananas of the past. The Gros Michel banana, which is no longer commercially available due to the discovery of the fungus Panama disease, is the true source of this flavor.
The Modern Banana: Cavendish vs. Gros Michel
Unless you have had the opportunity to sample a tree-ripened banana, it’s challenging to determine what they should actually taste like. Bananas in grocery stores, such as Chiquita, Dole, or Del Monte, often lack the rich, sweet flavor of the Gros Michel variety. The Cavendish variety, which is more commonly available, tends to be a bit smaller, less sweet, and more prone to bruising, which also contributes to their inferior taste.
The Chemicals Behind the Flavor
Banana candy does contain isoamyl acetate, which is also present in bananas, pears, and grapevines. This compound can be created through reactions or sourced from actual fruit. However, frequently, synthetic chemicals used to replace natural flavors are not only poor substitutes for the real thing but can also be detrimental to health. For instance, vanilla flavors often do not come from vanilla beans but from petrochemical byproducts.
Rediscovering the Flavor of Gros Michel
For those interested in experiencing the true flavor of the Gros Michel banana, Miami Fruit offers boxes of these bananas. While the Gros Michel can be sweeter and larger than the Cavendish variety, they come with a thicker skin for protection, making them more resistant to damage or bruising.
Comparing Bananas in the Supermarket
When it comes to supermarket bananas, personal preference plays a significant role. I often find that Chiquita bananas have a lighter, fluffier taste compared to Dole bananas, which can often seem soggy and heavy. Del Monte’s canned fruit is my favorite, but even in fresh bananas, Chiquita tends to stand out to me due to their superior texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The taste of banana-flavored candy is a product of the past, harking back to the Gros Michel variety. Whether you prefer the taste of Chiquita, Dole, or another brand, understanding the historical and practical reasons behind the flavor can enhance your enjoyment of these sweet treats.
Key Terms: Banana flavor, artificial flavor, Cavendish banana, Gros Michel