Banana Buying Guide: Peel Back the Secrets

Understanding Banana Varieties 🍌

Bananas come in a range of varieties, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most common type found in supermarkets is the Cavendish banana, but there are other popular varieties like plantains, Lady Finger bananas, and Manzano bananas. Bananas generally have a creamy texture and a sweet flavor, though some varieties can be slightly tangy or starchy.

Pro Tip: Bananas release a gas called ethene (formerly ethylene) that helps ripen most other fruits. You can place a banana near the fruit(s) you are trying to ripen. An even more advanced method is to put the fruit(s) in a paper bag with the banana so the gas coverage is better!

The whole jungle is turning ripe because I eat so many bananas

Ripeness Stages (for Most Types) 🍌

  • Green: Firm, starchy, less sweet. Best for cooking or ripening at home.
  • Yellow: Soft, sweet, ready to eat. Perfect for snacking or smoothies.
  • Brown Spots: Very sweet, great for, snacking, baking or banana bread.
  • Black: Overripe. There are methods to ripen the banana for baking where the peel will be black, but the meat will be almost syrupy. Not recommended for snacking. If it crosses into rotten territory, do not consume.
bananas stages of ripeness

What to Look For πŸ”

  • Follow the ripeness stages above to choose bananas based on your needs.
  • Consider how soon you plan to eat themβ€”green bananas will ripen over time, while brown-spotted bananas are ready to eat immediately.
bananas brown spots
Bananas with brown spots would be sweeter than the yellow ones but you better eat them soon

What to Avoid 🚫

  • Bruised or damaged bananas as they may have been exposed to bacteria or insects.
  • Strong fermented smell may indicate that it’s starting to spoil.
bananas bruised
Black areas on the outside could mean the inside is bruised. A few black spots are normal.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store bananas at room temperature if you want them to ripen naturally. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
  • Refrigeration: Once bananas reach your desired ripeness, you can refrigerate them to slow further ripening. The skin may darken, but the fruit inside will stay fresh.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, peel and freeze bananas in an airtight container or bag. They’re perfect for smoothies or baking later.

How They’re Sold πŸ›’

  • Typically sold in bunches and generally priced by weight.

Why Bananas? 🌟

  • Nutritious, portable, and versatile.
  • Great for snacks, baking, or adding to recipes.
  • Easy to eat. Just peel.

Most Common Types of Bananas

(Banana score out of 5🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌)

Cavendish Bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

cavendish bananas
The most common type of banana
  • Also Called: Supermarket Banana, Dessert Banana
  • Flavor: Sweet, creamy, and mild.
  • Best For: Snacking, smoothies, and desserts.

Plantains 🍌🍌🍌

banana plantain
Usually bigger than the Cavendish
  • Also Called: Cooking Banana, Platano, Green Banana
  • Flavor: Starchy and less sweet when green; sweet and soft when ripe.
  • Best For: Frying, boiling, or baking (common in savory dishes).

Lady Finger Bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌

banana lady finger
Unique long finger shape. Smaller than Cavendish.
  • Also Called: Baby Banana, Sugar Banana, Finger Banana
  • Flavor: Sweeter and creamier than Cavendish bananas.
  • Best For: Snacking, lunchboxes, and desserts.

Manzano Bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌

banana manzano
Similar to Lady Finger but a bit more curvy
  • Also Called: Apple Banana, Silk Banana
  • Flavor: Sweet with hints of apple or strawberry.
  • Best For: Snacking and fruit salads.

Thai Bananas / Vietnamese Bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

banana thai/vietnamese
Uniquely aromatic
  • Also Called: Pisang Awak, Kluai Namwa
  • Flavor: Sweet and slightly tangy.
  • Best For: Eating fresh, frying, or using in desserts.
My favorite treat!
Scroll to Top