Banana varieties and storage techniques

While the Cavendish variety is the most common banana found in supermarkets across Central America, Africa, and the Philippines, there are hundreds of other varieties worldwide. Many of these cultivars remain unknown in the U.S. and Europe. In Lumajang, Indonesia, known as “Banana City,” dozens of different varieties thrive due to fertile soil from the Semeru volcano.

To manage the ripening process, which is accelerated by ethylene gas and warm temperatures, several storage methods can be used. Consumers can buy bananas at different stages of ripeness, separate them from the bunch to improve airflow, or wrap the stems in plastic wrap to reduce gas movement. Additionally, keeping bananas away from other ethylene-releasing fruits, such as apples or avocados, can help slow the browning process.