Bananas are not only popular in Malaysia but also America. There is a generous supply all year round and is therefore inexpensive. They have a peel that comes off easily and ripen after they've been picked. Bananas have a high amount of carbohydrates as well as potassium. It is the fruit of choice for many athletes.

Selection
Avoid bananas with brown spots that seem very soft unless it is normal for that variety. Select those bananas with a nice color, specific for the variety. Choose fruits that are firm and free of bruises. Best eating quality has been reached when the solid yellow skin color is speckled with brown. Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor. Bananas are overripe when they have a strong odor.

Storage
To further ripen bananas leave at room temperature for a couple of days. Once ripe you can store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The peel may turn brown in the refrigerator, but the flavour or quality of the fruit will not change.

Varieties
The very popular yellow banana of Cavendish is the banana we see in grocery stores. However, Plantains, Finger Bananas and Red Bananas are also popular varieties. Most all have a soft texture when ripe.