Bananas Two Faced or Two Taste; Why flavored doesn't taste real!

Going Bananas? 

By Enzik - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Ever wonder why Banana Flavored items, do not taste like a real banana? Do you wonder what that Banana Flavor actually is? Well, we are glad to share with you what lies behind that unique taste. 

What is the Banana Flavor in items based off of? 

    Most artificial banana flavoring is based on a variety of banana that was popular in the early 20th century called the Gros Michel.

What happened to the Gros Michel Banana?

    It was wiped out by a nasty little fungus known as Panama disease in the 20th Century.

What Banana do we eat today? 

    The Cavendish banana is what we eat today. Although it is less flavorful then it's mate the Gros Michel, it is more resistant to disease. The Cavendish lacks the rich flavor and taste of the Gros Michel, thus leading to the flavor discrepancies we experience in banana-flavored products.

Why do artificial banana flavors taste weird?

    Artificial banana flavoring is often based on the chemical isoamyl acetate giving it part of it's unique taste. One may also notice the hint of bubblegum or marshmallow flavoring.

Interesting fact?

    Bananas are technically classified as berries. This is because they grow their fruit inside the flesh instead of the outside.