Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Sodium Low Fat

Firm Banana

Musa acuminata or Musa balbisiana Allergen-Free
Firm Banana

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Musaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Tropical, Caribbean, Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Banana plant fruit

The Forktionary Angle

""

Definition

An unripe or just-ripe banana, characterized by its green to light yellow peel and starchy, less sweet flesh.

Sensory Profile

TasteStarchy, Mildly Sweet, Slightly Tart, Vegetal
TextureDense, Firm, Waxy, Less Creamy than ripe
AromaFaint Green, Mild Fruit, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 118g
Calories89 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.1 g
Total Carbohydrate23 g
Dietary Fiber2.6 g
Total Sugars12 g
Calcium5 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium358 mg

Chef’s Secret

Firm bananas are excellent for frying or baking into savory dishes; their starchiness holds up well without becoming mushy.

Substitutions

Best Match

Plantain (green)

1:1

Similar starchy texture and cooking applications, slightly less sweet.

Potato

1:1 (cooked)

For starch content in savory dishes, but entirely different flavor.

Sweet Potato

1:1 (cooked)

Offers some sweetness and starchy texture for cooked applications.

Buying Guide

Choose bananas that are uniformly green or light yellow, firm to the touch, and free of blemishes.

Flavor Pairings

Savory dishes curries stews frying grilling pork chicken lime coconut.

Recipes Using Firm Banana

Angie's Banana Cream Pie image
Desserts Pies And Tarts Main Ingredient Course

Angie's Banana Cream Pie

Indulge in Angie's irresistible Banana Cream Pie! This creamy, dreamy dessert features layers of rich banana cream filling nestled in a flaky crust. Make sure to chill for at least 2 hours (but trust us, it's worth the wait!) for the ultimate creamy texture. Get ready for a taste of pure banana heaven!

See Complete Recipe
Banana Black Bean Salad image 198
Course Low Saturated Fat Time To Make Low In Something

Banana Black Bean Salad

Escape to the tropics with this vibrant Banana Black Bean Salad! A refreshing blend of sweet bananas (or mangoes!), savory black beans, and zesty citrus, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a unique topping for grilled fish or rice. Inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, Latin America, and California cuisine, this make-ahead recipe is bursting with fresh, exciting tastes. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or cilantro) for an extra touch of deliciousness!

See Complete Recipe
Banana Fritters With Brandy Sauce image 194
Stove Top Number Of Servings Fruit Main Ingredient

Banana Fritters With Brandy Sauce

Indulge in a taste of paradise with these irresistible Banana Fritters, a family recipe passed down through generations! Legend says the forbidden fruit was a banana...and after one bite of these fritters drenched in a rich brandy sauce, you'll understand why Adam couldn't resist. A perfect blend of sweet, warm banana and a boozy, luxurious sauce – this dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

See Complete Recipe
Banana Pudding Dessert image 164
Puddings And Mousses Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Healthy

Banana Pudding Dessert

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy No-Bake Banana Pudding! This classic dessert features layers of buttery vanilla wafers, perfectly ripe bananas, and a luscious creamy pudding, all ready in under 15 minutes! Skip the oven and enjoy this irresistible treat.

See Complete Recipe
Banana Syrup Cake image 127
Healthy Healthy Bananas Occasion

Banana Syrup Cake

Indulge in this decadent Banana Syrup Cake, a moist and flavorful masterpiece! This recipe takes you through creating a luscious caramel base, topped with perfectly spiced banana cake and finished with a drizzle of golden syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve warm for an unforgettable dessert experience – perfect with coffee or as a delightful standalone treat. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Banana Berry Brownie Pizza image 161
Main Ingredient Brownies Berries Occasion

Banana Berry Brownie Pizza

Indulge in this decadent Banana Berry Brownie Pizza! A rich and fudgy brownie crust is topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, and sweet bananas, then drizzled with luscious chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert pizza is perfect for summer gatherings or a special treat any time. Inspired by a Taste of Home recipe.

See Complete Recipe