Bad News for Bananas

The future of America's favorite fruit may be in danger.

Here in the United States, bananas are one of the most popular items in the grocery store's produce section, out-selling apples and oranges combined. In other areas of the world, like some parts of Africa, bananas are the primary source of nutrition for millions of people. But a blight called Panama Disease is wiping out plantations across the globe, and some experts fear the end could be nigh for the world’s ideal fruit. Dan Koeppel has been following the story of panama disease and has written extensively about it. His latest book is called Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World, and he joins us on Word of Mouth to explain Panama Disease.

(Photo by Svein Halvor Halvorsen)