Home Grown

Ever wondered exactly how bananas grow? Well here you go! I won't try and explain it all technically - I'd stuff it up I think but basically the fruit starts to bud between each 'petal' of the banana flower. Once the petal peels back the fruit can start to develop.

We have many banana trees planted around the centre, so there is always fruit or flowers on one or anther at some stage. Not only do our bears love the fruit but they absolutely love the flower too! Sometimes we let the banana bunch grown and other times we'll harvest the flower first. The flowers are also used in a super yummy traditional Vietnamese dish 'Banana Flower Salad'. If you ever come to Vietnam you have to try it!