When we talk about food, we don't always imagine the historical and cultural dimension that a simple fruit can have. In the case of bananas, the use and easy access to this foodstuff is one of the most typical characteristics of the natural and agro-export economy of the American continent. In the 20th century, several Central American countries became known as being part of the so-called “Banana Republic”.
This relationship between bananas and the American continent, in fact, is quite old. Upon arriving in the New World, European settlers soon realized that banana trees abounded in our lands. The hot and humid climate meant that the fruit was always available, without the need for rigorous planning or the use of more elaborate agricultural techniques. Even today, it serves as a food base for many families living in poorer American countries.
Following the logic of exploitation of the mercantilist system, merchants in the Old World had little interest in commercially exploiting such easily obtainable wealth. The big thing was to invest in agricultural products that had high prices and, therefore, guaranteed a hefty profit margin to the European mercantile bourgeoisie. In fact, the poor banana was the clear indication that the old law of supply and demand had its reasons.
Over time, the price of bananas was naturally incorporated into our financial vocabulary. Every time we find a product “at a bargain price”, we are sure that we will pay very little for the good we so desire. In times of little money, nothing better than paying modest amounts that remind us of the inviting price of a bunch of bananas!
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Brazil School Team
Curiosities - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/curiosidades/a-preco-banana.htm
