The banana is one of the best known fruits in the world and has been an essential part of the economic growth of the Canary Islands. Today we are going to show you how to visit a banana farm in Tenerife.
Our land has excellent soil for growing this style of tropical fruit that many people love so much. The banana grown in the Canary Islands contains a high amount of potassium and phosphorus, according to reports from the Association of Banana Producers’ Organisations of the Canary Islands (ASPROCAN). It is thanks to this that its sweet and unique flavour has made it a staple food in every home on these islands. The island has a large number of banana farms, both in the north and in the south, where you can visit a real banana farm in Tenerife.
The beginning of banana cultivation in Tenerife dates back to the 15th century, with the first banana plantations from Southeast Asia. With a mostly volcanic soil it might seem complicated to make this exotic fruit fully grown, but the properties of this marvellous soil made its variants much more special.
Learning about the history of bananas in the Canary Islands is an interesting activity that lets you see a little more of the culture and history of this beautiful island. That’s why here we recommend three of the best places to visit banana plantations in Tenerife and learn about this iconic fruit for the island.
Casa del Plátano, the place you can not miss
This farm is located in Icod de los Vinos, and it’s one of the most touristic spots known on the island. Here you can not only get a tour in a banana plantation, but also you can see the process of being cultivated and get to know the history of this sweet fruit. Besides, you can also see the huge diversity of bananas that grow there. This farm also has a special space in which you can buy products like oil and wine made of bananas.
Finca Las Margaritas, a family business
Farming is one of the economic activities that has sustained Tenerife for a long time and that has a special relation with most canary families. That is why we chose Finca Las Margaritas as a great place to learn more about bananas and a part of the history of Tenerife. This is a small family business created in 1977, that has been growing since and has won the Traveler’s Choice from TripAdvisor the past year.
In this farm, that started in a highly volcanic earth, you can have a tour that includes a tasting of these products and a little class on how to make traditional gofio; a food that is in all canary houses and that tastes exquisite with bananas.
Finca La Calabacera, more than bananas
In this ecological farm, located in the south of Tenerife, you can find 150,000 meters of ecological cultivates, and you can get to know the story of bananas and other fruits. You can also see how bananas are cultivated, as well as mangos and other exotic fruits like star fruit or cupcake fruit.
With amazing ocean views, that in good weather allows you to see the neighboring island La Gomera, you can also book a day in the green zones of this farm and celebrate a special day.
These are the three options to know more about our culture, tradition and the growth of one of our essential products for our economy and gastronomy.
