Banana
Gros Michel (Williams)
History
The dominant commercial banana variety worldwide before it was largely wiped out by Panama disease in the mid-20th century - the event that pushed the industry to switch to the disease-resistant but generally less-flavorful Cavendish.
Taste profile
Rich, full banana flavor with a creamy texture that many longtime growers still consider superior to modern commercial Cavendish bananas, in thick, bright yellow, noticeably curved fruit.
Growing habits
A large, vigorous plant, susceptible to Panama disease - which is exactly why it's now mostly a home-garden and collector variety rather than a commercial one.