Bananas grown in Haiti have cultural practices that are essentially the same as for plantains. However, their distribution and their role in the economy are quite different. Production for export is concentrated on coastal plains; inland, almost every peasant raises a few bananas for his own consumption and for sale on the local market.
For export, the principal variety is Gros Michel, an introduction of the Standard Fruit Company. Gros Michel and several varieties which resemble it, Beni, Theatre, and Pauban are raised for local use and for sale in the city markets. However, for fine aroma and sweetness, the short (10 cm. (4 in.)), thin-skinned Musquee, Mistroquette and the apple-scented Pomme (all varieties of M. Cavendish), are unexcelled. They stand up poorly in transportation and storage so that they are of trifling commercial significance.
Most of the bananas are eaten raw. Mothers carry them as a travel ration for small children. They may be boiled, roasted or fried.
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