A Lifelong Aversion to Bananas
Ree Drummond, the popular blogger and television personality known as The Pioneer Woman, has been vocal about her dislike for bananas for years. This isn't a simple case of personal preference; her aversion is so strong that she has referred to bananas as "demonic" in a jesting manner. This deep-seated dislike has been with her since infancy, and she has publicly admitted to never having eaten a whole banana in her life. She finds both the taste and the texture of the fruit to be repulsive.
Her family history suggests this might be a genetic trait, as her father and at least one of her brothers also share a similar aversion. This makes the topic a running joke among her family and fans, who are often surprised to learn of her strong feelings about such a common and generally well-liked fruit.
The Rare Exception: Cooking with Bananas
Despite her intense dislike, Drummond is a professional who understands her audience's tastes. On rare occasions, she has featured recipes that include bananas on her blog, often with a humorous disclaimer about her personal feelings. These instances are typically a testament to her willingness to cater to her fans rather than a sign of her own changing palate.
Two notable banana recipes have appeared on her blog:
- Her Mother's Banana Bread: This is a sentimental recipe that she shared with her readers, admitting that she ate it only once after a low-carb diet ended, and noting that her mother’s recipe was simply that good. She quickly clarified that this was a one-time thing.
- Bananas Foster: In a memorable 2011 blog post, Drummond reluctantly cooked this dessert. She made it a "character building exercise" for herself, even recommending ways for others to handle the fruit without touching it. While she did taste the dish, she removed the actual bananas before eating.
This willingness to put aside her feelings for her audience is a hallmark of her professionalism. However, it's clear she is not a fan.
Banana-Free Zones and Family Life
At her Pawhuska, Oklahoma, restaurant and deli, The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, bananas are nowhere to be found on the menu. Drummond has made it clear that her aversions influence her business practices. When customers have requested banana cream pie, the answer has always been a firm "no". The only exception is a banana split available at Charlie's Sweet Shop, her ice cream parlor, which she operates separately. This highlights the difference between her personal cooking space and her business ventures, where she caters to a wider array of tastes.
Interestingly, her children do not share her dislike of bananas. Drummond has mentioned that her kids have to remind her to buy bananas at the grocery store, as she naturally avoids the fruit aisle. This provides a glimpse into how her unique food aversion impacts even the smallest aspects of her family's daily life.
Food Aversions: Drummond vs. Others
To put Ree Drummond's food aversion into perspective, consider this comparison table of common food dislikes:
| Food Item | Common Reasons for Dislike | Ree Drummond's Stance | Impact on Cooking/Restaurant | Similar Celebrity Aversions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bananas | Texture (mushy), strong smell, perceived sweetness. | Hates them. Describes them as "abhorrent" and "demonic." | Actively avoids cooking with them; no bananas at her restaurant. | Anthony Bourdain famously disliked cilantro, often describing it as soapy. |
| Cilantro | Genetic variation causes a soapy taste perception. | Unspecified, but a common aversion. | Unrelated to her typical cooking style. | Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child. |
| Mushrooms | Slimy texture, earthy flavor. | Likely enjoys them, as they appear in many of her recipes. | None. | Gordon Ramsay dislikes certain strong-flavored foods. |
| Broccoli | Bitter taste, smell during cooking. | Enjoys them, frequently includes them in recipes. | None. | Many childhood food aversions carry into adulthood. |
Conclusion: A Bananas Aversion That Doesn't Stop Her
In short, the answer to the question "Does Ree Drummond like bananas?" is a resounding no. Her dislike is a well-established and deeply felt part of her persona, dating back to her childhood and shared with some family members. While she actively avoids consuming them and banishes them from her restaurant menu, she is willing to make rare exceptions for her loyal audience. This professional deference to her fans, despite her genuine revulsion, only serves to underscore her dedication as a food personality, even if it means confronting her least favorite ingredient. Her story serves as a quirky reminder that even celebrated culinary experts have foods they simply cannot stand.
