Which banana to choose? The complete guide to making the right choice

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Rich in energy, easy to transport and enjoy, they are ideal for young and old alike. But with so many different varieties and stages of ripeness to choose from, how do you pick the right banana? Whether you want to eat it as is, cook with it or make a smoothie, each type of banana has its own unique characteristics. We'll tell you everything you need to know!

How to choose the right variety of banana?

The Cavendish banana

The Cavendish is the most common banana found on our shelves. Soft, sweet and easy to peel, it is perfect for eating as a snack or for breakfast.

The plantain

Plantains are eaten cooked and are ideal for savoury dishes. They should not be eaten raw.

The Baby banana

Small, very sweet and fragrant, it is perfect for children or as a dessert. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture also works wonders in smoothies.

Where can you find baby bananas ? On our stalls for professionals, or at our retailers. Please do not hesitate to contact us!

How to choose ripe bananas?

The taste and texture of a banana change depending on its ripeness. Here's how to choose the right one for your needs:

🍏 Green : firm and not very sweet. Perfect for cooking or low-sugar diets. Avoid eating raw if it is too hard

🍌 Yellow with few or no spots : perfect for eating raw. Sweet taste, good texture.

🍌🍯 Yellow with brown spots : very ripe, sweeter, ideal for smoothies, compotes or banana bread.

🟡 Tip : The more spots on the skin, the higher the banana's sugar content and the easier it is to digest.

Which banana should you choose depending on how you plan to use it?

Use	Recommended banana type
To be eaten raw	Cavendish, baby banana, red banana
Mashed or stewed	Ripe banana (Cavendish)
For savoury cooking	Plantain
For smoothies	Very ripe banana or baby banana
For pastries	Very ripe Cavendish

Where do the bananas we consume come from?

Bananas sold in France come mainly from:

🇫🇷 the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique)

🌎 Latin America (Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica)

🌍 and sometimes Africa (Ivory Coast, Cameroon)

Choosing bananas grown in France or fair trade bananas helps to support more sustainable agriculture.

How to store bananas properly ?

❌ Do not refrigerate: they will turn black.

✅ Store at room temperature, hung up or placed on a plate.

✅ To slow down ripening: separate them from each other or wrap them in cling film around the stem.

Whether you're looking for a healthy snack, a sweet treat or a savoury dish, there's a banana to suit every taste. By learning about the different varieties, stages of ripeness and ideal uses, you can enjoy this delicious and versatile fruit to the full. So next time you're out shopping, you'll know which banana to choose! 🍌