Not All Green Plantains Ripen: How to Tell the Good from the Bad

Have you ever bought green plantains elsewhere, waited patiently for them to ripen… and nothing happened? It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone. The truth is, not all green plantains are created equal, and some of them were harvested too early to ever ripen properly.

At NaijaMart, we do our best to make sure you never go through that. We carefully select only mature plantains that are perfect for ripening at home or cooking green. But since we know many of our customers shop in other places too, we want to share this knowledge so that wherever you shop, you shop smart.

How to Tell if a Green Plantain Will Ripen

1. Size and Shape

• ✅ Mature green plantains are large, full, and plump.
• ❌ Immature ones are smaller, thinner, and often feel too light for their size.

2. Skin Texture

• ✅ Mature green plantains have firm but slightly flexible skin, sometimes with faint yellow or dark spots.
• ❌ Immature ones are rock-hard, with a neon green colour and no give when pressed.

3. Weight

• ✅ Mature ones feel heavy and full.
• ❌ Immature ones feel oddly light, almost hollow.

4. Aroma

• ✅ A mature plantain might have a faint fruity scent near the stem.
• ❌ An immature one smells raw or has no scent at all.

5. Ripening Test at Home

Put the green plantain in a paper bag with a ripe banana. If it begins to change colour or soften within 3–5 days, it’s mature. If it stays stubbornly green for a week or more, it was likely picked too early.

Recipe alert: Green plantains can be used to make gluten-free bread. Watch the video on how to make this bread.

Why This Matters

Buying the right type of green plantain helps you avoid waste, disappointment, and guesswork in the kitchen. Whether you want to fry it, boil it, or ripen it for a sweeter taste, knowing how to spot a quality plantain is essential.

At NaijaMart, we never sell immature green plantains. Every bunch is handpicked with care, so you can cook or ripen with confidence. We do the hard work so you don’t have to second-guess.

✅ NaijaMart Tip

If you’re unsure which plantain to choose for ripening vs. cooking right away, just ask us. We’ll guide you to the perfect bunch for your needs. Whether it’s for Sunday stew or a midweek snack, we’ve got your back.

💚 Final Word

Not all green plantains ripen, but when you shop with NaijaMart, you’re guaranteed quality.
We’re here to bring you the real taste of home, backed by knowledge, care, and love.

Want to try it out?
🛒 Shop fresh plantains on NaijaMart.co.za