Gros Michel Banana

Gros Michel, or 'Big Mike', was an early export cultivar of banana, and was until the 1950s the main variety exported to the United States.[1] Although there are many banana cultivars, Gros Michel was especially suitable for export to non-tropical nations. It is susceptible to Panama disease, a fungus which attacks the roots of the banana plant. Less care was required to ship Gros Michel than the now common Cavendish banana.[1] It didn't require as much packaging, climate control, or date stamping because its thicker skin is less prone to bruising.[1] Additionally, the Gros Michel was said to be sweeter than the now-commonplace Cavendish banana.[2]