Higher Fuel Costs, Freaky Weather Mean Yes, We Have No Bananas -- That You Can Afford

They're so good for you that they almost need to be labeled a health food-and now bananas are set to become even more expensive. Among the health benefits of bananas, according to the Tao of Good Health: potassium's great effects on  heart, nerves, kidneys, bones, and mood, the beneficial effects on blood of B6, the intestinal health effects of natural dietary fiber, and they're good for kids, too.

They're one of my favorite things, and especially in hot weather. I grew up with the injunction to eat a banana a day in hot weather. Sure enough, that potassium boost makes a difference.

Of course, there's always that sure bet for a treat: a banana sandwich with mayo, chilled. I'm sure that with the bread and mayo, the sandwich doesn't make it into the "health and diet" high points list, but it  tastes so good.

However, then you're crossing the border into banana conflict, which can take on the intensity of religious differences. Sure, there are those who despise the thought of a banana sandwich. Those apostates can easily be dismissed (no insult intended).

Where the wars truly begin is: adding peanut butter. Do you, or not? If so, do you have both peanut butter and mayo or must you choose betwen them?

If you have both, do you apply the PB and mayo scrupulously on different sides of the sliced bananas, each on on its own slice of bread? I myself belong to the strict Church of the Mayo and Peanut Butter Shall Not Touch In the Making.

Then there's gourmet: a drizzle of honey on the peanut butter? If so, eschew mayo, some say. Now we're into cult territory.

Or, you can do an Elvis and toss the health bits out the window: just fry up a naner sandwich. That was with peanut butter, right?

Back to healthy stuff. Add a banana, sliced, to cereal for a healthy boost, Or, simplest of all: peel and enjoy.