I was pleased to be invited to join the blog tour of reviews of James Dale's book 'The Future of Bananas'. It sounded like an interesting book and I always enjoy learning new things.
I have not paid for this paid, nor have I been paid to write this review. My words and opinions are my own.
This book is very interesting, Professor James Dale leads a team who have developed the world's first genetically modified banana. Now here is where I admit my heart sinks at this as I am not a fan of genetically modified food. I also confess, I don't really know a huge amount about it other than bare basics, so I saw this as a chance to find out more.
James takes us through the history of bananas and commercial banana growing/export. I did know that we currently only import/export the Cavendish banana, but prior to this banana that was commercially grown was the Gros Michel which disappeared after falling victim to disease (Panama Disease) in the 1950s. I also knew that there was now a similar threat of disease to our current banana: other than that I do not know much about bananas.
James takes right back to the start of banana eating by humans. He reminds us that there are many banana varieties, some more edible than others. He talks us through the role of plant hunters and big business. There is an interest for me in that Chatsworth, the home of the Cavendish family after whom the Cavendish banana is named, is somewhere I have visited a few times. I even own a 'dwarf Cavendish' banana plant.
The key issue for me coming through this book is that bananas are under threat because we, the consumers, seem to want seedless and uniformity. It is that old issue of wanting something that looks like we think it should look and not be bumpy or lumpy or the wrong colour. Bananas that we eat are sterile and grown in monocultures so they are prone to disease. Any disease that takes hold will affect them all.
James talks us through the genetic modifications his team has achieved. He explains that seletive breeding alone is not currently providing bananas on the scale that the global demand requires. Whilst talking through the work they are doing this book does get, unsurprisingly, very sciency. I am not going to pretend that I understood all of it, there is quite a lot of detail but I got the gist.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes I did but I cannot say it is has convinced me to be less wary of genetically modifying food. I do feel more informed though and that is a good thing. I would recommend this book if you have an interest in the science of commercial growing and in GM food. It is also an interesting history and discussion about the future of bananas, and I would add there are parallels in general to how we grow, export and buy food.
The Future of Bananas by James Dale is published by Melville House and available from places that sell books on the internet.
Take care and be kind.
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