When are bananas ready for harvest?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.The timing of harvest can determine the fate of banana quality. I once picked a bunch and it was too soon - the angular green fruits never sweetened. Now, I wait until the ridges become round, as I've learned from my Thai neighbor. The technique I learned from him was to slide a fingernail under a remnant of a flower. When that slides up cleanly, it's time to harvest.
Visual Cues
- Angles soften from sharp ridges to rounded curves
- Flower remnants at tip detach with gentle pressure
- Fruit skin transitions from deep green to lighter shades
- Latex sap flow reduces significantly at cut sites
Cutting Techniques
- Use serrated knife angled downward to minimize sap spill
- Retain 12-15 inches of stalk for easier handling
- Wipe blades with vinegar between cuts to prevent disease
- Support bunch with rope sling before severing
Post-harvest handling is extremely important. I hang bunches of bananas inside my shaded carport because if they are placed in direct sunlight, they will ripen unevenly. A Florida farm worker taught me to carefully wrap the stalks of bananas in plastic wrap. This traps ethylene gas, the natural ripening hormone, and also prevents the sap from staining neighboring fruits.
Common Issues
- Premature ripening: Store below 57°F (14°C)
- Sap stains: Apply lime juice to affected areas immediately
- Split peels: Maintain 85-90% humidity during storage
- Mold growth: Increase airflow around stored bunches
My least successful harvest taught me how to be patient. After harvesting a perfect bunch of bananas, I rushed the ripening process with heat lamps. The bananas ripened "mealy." I now let ethylene from apples do the work for me naturally. If you place fruit in a paper bag with two apples, the bananas will ripen evenly in about three days.
Read the full article: How to Grow Bananas: Expert Tips for Bountiful Harvests
