Department of Health

Bananas are a bargain this week.

Yes, we have
cheap bananas

The versatility and appeal of the banana is evident in the number of dishes that include bananas. There's banana bread, banana cake, banana pancake, banana cream pie, banana split, fried bananas, banana chips, baked bananas, chocolate-dipped bananas, banana custard, banana frappe, bananas in blankets, banana ice cream, banana pudding, banana flambe, glazed bananas, banana and peanut butter sandwiches -- lots of banana things.

The banana is easily digestible, easy to eat -- just peel and grind, no seeds, no pits -- and easy to pack in a lunch. Kids love 'em.

Which brings us to the point: Bananas are a bargain this week. Times supermarkets have Central American and Williams bananas at 99 cents a pound and apple bananas (arguably the best banana) at $1.09 a pound. Foodland and Sack N Save are offering the fruit for 69 cents a pound (with club card), and Star has apple bananas at 79 cents a pound.

Another good buy this week is cabbage at 69 cents a pound at Times, 39 cents at Safeway and 49 cents at Star.

Try a combination of these best buys in the "ABC" slaw, an apple, banana and cabbage slaw. Core and chop the apple into half-inch pieces. Toss with fresh lemon juice. Slice a banana into 1/4-inch slices and toss with more lemon juice. Shred about 2 cups of cabbage. Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of salt and a couple of grinds of pepper. Combine with the apple and cabbage. Add banana and toss lightly.

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