How can I tell when red bananas are ripe?

How can I tell when red bananas are ripe? - Top view of fresh ripe banana and green and red apples arranged as smile on pink background

Recently we bought a hand of red bananas. We watched them for a while, but couldn't sense a change in them (they don't change color). We eventually opened one and it was hard inside. How can I tell when they are ripe?



Best Answer

They do change color, just not so obviously as normal bananas. There's a slight greenish tint that disappears as they ripen, and the red becomes a bit deeper (some people say purplish).

They also get softer - including the skin getting more tender, just like yellow banana skin. Just think about how bananas feel when ripe, feel your red bananas, and (perhaps with a tiny bit of trial and error) you can figure it out.




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Quick Answer about "How can I tell when red bananas are ripe?"

Unlike most bananas that are harvested green, like their name suggests the Red Banana variety are harvested in a reddish-green hue and ripen during and after shipping. Red Bananas, when ripe, should have a purplish hue. Choose slightly firm Red Bananas and avoid bruises or cracks.

How do I tell if a red banana is ripe?

There is no secret: wait for the banana peel to become darker or populated with brown spots. This is the unequivocal sign that the banana has reached the right degree of ripeness and is ready to be consumed.

Do red bananas get soft when ripe?

There's a slight greenish tint that disappears as they ripen, and the red becomes a bit deeper (some people say purplish). They also get softer - including the skin getting more tender, just like yellow banana skin.

How long does it take a red banana to ripen?

Depending on how under-ripe your bananas were to start with, paper-bag ripening will take 1-3 days; putting the bag on top of your fridge or another warm location can speed it up even more. Check them daily, and when the bananas are firm and bright yellow with no trace of green, they're good for eating raw.

How do you pick a good red banana?

What you need to look for is the banana lightening in color. You will also notice a little bit of yellow, particularly toward the end of the banana. It should give a little to gentle pressure just as a Cavendish would. There should be at least a hint of a sweet smell.



When are red bananas ripe and what do they taste like?!




More answers regarding how can I tell when red bananas are ripe?

Answer 2

In my experience the red bananas become a bit warmer shade of red -almost orangey. If I see red bananas with a slight orange color instead of the green I buy them! Because I KNOW those are ripening. I have bought many red bananas that NEVER ripened - just stayed hard & went black. I've been told by produce managers that they've had to pull red bananas off shelf because they won't ripen. Are the reds gassed like the cavendish to aid ripening? The best I've had came from Columbia - now they all seem to be from Ecuador & not as good & far less dependable!

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