Bananas are the most popular fruit sold in the U.S. So, the next time you buy a bunch, look at the little sticker - it's not just a brand. It tells you how they were grown and tells a story about why you may want to pay a little more per pound:

- Fair Trade certified bananas help support banana farmers. In some regions banana farmers earn just $3 per day and work under harsh conditions. Fair Trade certification standards set environmental guidelines that restrict the use of chemicals and pesticides, prohibit genetically modified food, and guarantee that farmers receive a fair price for their labor. You may see this label on other tropical foods such as mangoes, pineapples, grapes, coffee, and tea. Most Fair Trade products are also organic.

- Organic bananas are produced on a farm without pesticides and under closely regulated farming conditions.

- Conventional bananas, the least expensive choice, are most likely imported from a farm where pesticides are used and the farmers do not earn a “living" wage. They may work under harsh conditions, and have no power to set a price for their product. But, on a positive note, the Environmental Working Group,a nonprofit environmental research organization, ranks bananas as one of the top 10 LEAST pesticide-contaminated foods.

KNOW YOUR SOURCE: Fair Trade bananas can be found at health food stores, food cooperatives, and through this list of Fair Trade retailers. Whole Foods Market offers EARTH conventional bananas, which come from their own private banana plantation designed to educate and lead the industry in responsible growing methods.

TIP: Freeze ripened bananas, peel and all, in a large Ziploc bag. When ready to use, simply cut the banana into several large chunks. Halve each piece. Peel browned skin off.

Recipes:
Banana Freeze - A great afternoon snack
Indonesian Chicken with Grilled Bananas – Easy weekday meal