What the banana tells us about US history

What the banana tells us about US history

From Throughline by NPR

March 31, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

This episode explores the connection between bananas and American history, highlighting the role of an entrepreneur in expanding the country's economic reach.

What do bananas have to do with American history? On this week’s episode, how the sweet fruit became an American staple because of one entrepreneur who took business off US shores, expanding the country’s economic reach and influence. To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Topics covered

  • US history
  • bananas
  • entrepreneurship
  • economic influence

Keywords

  • American staple
  • business
  • economic reach

Mentioned in this episode

Products: bananas

Places: US

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