Most shoppers pick a banana purely by looking at its colour, but that single glance often leads to the wrong choice. A quick 30 second check across four simple signs can help you spot the fruit that is genuinely sweet, fresh and naturally ripened every time you shop.
Start With The Colour
The first thing to check is the banana's shade. A naturally ripened banana carries a light or deep yellow colour. Small brown flecks scattered across the peel are nothing to worry about, since bananas with these spots are usually sweeter and more flavourful. However, if the stalk at the top still looks green while the rest of the fruit has turned yellow, the banana has not ripened all the way through yet.
Check The Condition Of The Peel
Before picking one up, look closely at the peel. A banana with a torn peel, large black marks or a visibly pressed and squashed body is best avoided. A banana with a clean, smooth peel that feels slightly firm to the touch will stay fresh for a longer stretch of time.
Let The Smell Guide You
Smell is another simple test. A properly ripened banana gives off a light, sweet fragrance. If a banana smells strange or has a sour edge to it, skip it altogether. The fruit also should not feel excessively soft in the hand, since a banana that soft tends to spoil quickly.
Colour Alone Is Not Enough
Judging a banana purely by its bright yellow shade is not a reliable approach. Along with the colour, the texture of the fruit, the state of the stalk, the condition of the peel and the smell all deserve equal attention. Paying attention to these small details makes it possible to bring home a sweet, fresh and naturally ripened banana every single time.
Pick The Right Banana For Your Timeline
If the banana is going to be eaten the same day, a fully yellow fruit is the better pick. If the plan is to eat it two or three days later, a slightly green banana works out better, since it will ripen on its own naturally at home over those days. The next trip to the market is a good time to put these simple tips to use.
