Enjoy Bananas While You Still Can

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Photo credit: StockFood

Do you just adore those banana slices on top of your French toast?

You and everyone else, apparently. According to Quartz, the creamy fruit is the fourth most valuable global crop in the world (just behind rice, wheat, and milk), making it the most popular fruit on Earth.

But danger lurks in the form of Tropical Race 4, a nasty strain of something called Panama Disease, which is killing banana plants around the world, from the roots up. First, a banana plant’s leaves turn yellow, then brown. The resulting fruit isn’t as sweet or creamy as those that come from a healthy plant. Ultimately, the infected banana plant withers and dies.

There won’t be a run on bananas tomorrow, but this is a serious problem for future banana lovers. Most modern bananas—we’re talking the ones you buy in your neighborhood supermarket—are genetically identical. (This is because they’ve been bred to lack seeds, so they can’t reproduce naturally.) And scientists have yet to develop a banana plant resistant to Tropical Race 4. It’s a downer.

But you gotta stay positive. So sing this ditty while you contemplate the following delicious, lovely banana recipes. (You may not be able to make them forever.)

Banana-Buttermilk Pancakes

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Photo credit: Everyday Food

Green Smoothie with Banana and Avocado

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Photo credit: Food52

Rum-Glazed Banana Tartlets

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Photo credit: Everyday Food

Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Bananas with Peanut Brittle

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Photo credit: Epicurious

"Panini" with Banana and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

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Photo credit: Food52

Banana Cardamom Milkshake

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Photo credit: Food52

Walnut Frangipane and Banana Tartlets

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Photo credit: Epicurious