WHEN TO STOP

Spelling bananananana. That's the hardest part.

The banana plantation we visited in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, recently gave us more answers about bananas than anyone has a right to know. The first thing we discovered is that the banana tree does not exist. They don't come from trees, but from roots, making them the largest herbs. Growing in 100 pound bunches, each wrapped in blue plastic bags serve a dual purpose. The greenhouse effect helps them mature while the bags provide protection against pesticides and insects. Since some insects see ultraviolet, the blue color guards against infestation.

They reminded us of the way the Japanese wrap each of their plums or apples, only their bags are white. Also much more time consuming.

When the banana blossoms, or chitas, it reveals a hand, just like a corn husk. A beautiful bloom, it is somewhere between the colors purple and wine. The fingers of the hand are actually the ovaries. And that's the part we eat when they mature.

The curve in the banana is a result of its reaching toward the sun. As for the male part of the banana, well, it's chopped off at the stalk.

The bananas, these from Del Monte, are shipped completely green. If they are not absolutely perfect, they won't be exported. One use of the imperfects is to feed cattle. Ecuador is the number one exporter; Costa Rica, number 2. But Costa Rica is numero uno in pineapples.

The next time you bite into one, remember if it has brown spots, it got them in shipment. Also, don't forget that you're eating ovaries.