When and How to Harvest Bananas

Timing the Cut for Best Ripening

Bob wants to know when and how to pick bananas.

Expert Guidelines

1. After the bunch emerges ("breaks"), wait ~3 months for fingers to plump (swell to full size).
2. Cut the entire bunch and hang it upside down in a cool, shaded place (garage, basement).
3. Hanging inverted prevents ripe bananas from peeling and falling.
4. They will ripen quickly once cut.