When Choosing Bananas, Pay Attention to This to Get the Best Bunch

Consumers are advised to look out for one important sign when buying bananas to ensure they pick ones that are tasty and perfectly ripe.

Bananas are a popular fruit, loved for their health benefits and versatility in cooking. They can be eaten directly, used in baking, or made into various desserts. While shopping, you’ll easily notice differences in the color and ripeness of bananas displayed on supermarket shelves. Some may have spots, some look paler, and others may still be slightly green.

According to experts, there is one specific feature that helps consumers choose the best bunch of bananas. This sign shows that the fruit is close to its ideal ripeness and can be eaten soon after purchase.

The food site The Spruce Eats recommends selecting bananas that fall “in the middle of the ripeness range,” meaning those that are mostly yellow with just a touch of green at both ends. Bananas at this stage are not fully ripe yet, so they can be stored for a few more days after bringing them home. At the same time, you won’t have to wait too long for them to ripen completely, making them perfect if you don’t plan to eat them right away.

Other Tips for Choosing Bananas

• If you plan to eat them immediately, go for riper bananas with a yellow peel and a few brown spots, as the flesh will be softer.

• If you want to store them for longer, choose greener bananas—they will take more time to ripen, making them ideal for later in the week.

As for storage, experts recommend keeping bananas in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Also, since some fruits can accelerate the ripening of bananas, it’s best to store them separately.