Only after the banana reaches New York are the bananas ripened with the use of heat, humidity and a ripening agent called ethylene, according to Ira Cohen, a produce distributor in Hunts Point. The brand name Bonita, for instance, is shipped to the United States by the Pacific Fruit company. The ripening is done as close as possible to the final destination. And the key to a good banana is a good ship. Bananas are ripe when brown spots begin showing on the peel.
Yellow bananas have a sweeter flavor and softer texture than green tipped bananas.
Refrigerated bananas ripen more slowly. Banana-eaters in a hurry should put the fruit in a brown paper bag.