Bananas
香蕉 · pisang
Bananas in October (this month)
Look for Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala
These origins are in fresh-crop season.
PhilippinesMalaysiaThailandAustraliaEcuadorCosta RicaGuatemala
Fresh cropStored / lateNot shipping
Fresh crop now (7)
PH
PhilippinesMindanao (Davao)
Fresh cropCavendish, Lakatan, Señorita
Harvested all year
The main source of Cavendish bananas in Singapore, grown all year. Typhoons from Aug to Nov can briefly cut supply and raise prices.
MY
MalaysiaJohor, Pahang
Fresh cropPisang Mas, Pisang Berangan, Cavendish
Harvested all year
Grown all year. Pisang Mas is small, very sweet and sold in bunches at wet markets.
TH
ThailandCentral & east
Fresh cropHom Thong, Kluai Khai (egg banana)
Harvested all year
Grown all year. More common in Thai specialty shops than supermarkets.
AU
AustraliaNorth Queensland
Fresh cropCavendish, Lady Finger
Harvested all year
Grown all year, but almost all sold within Australia because of strict quarantine rules. Rare in Singapore.
EC
EcuadorEl Oro, Guayas
Fresh cropCavendish
Harvested all year
The world's biggest banana exporter. Occasionally seen in Singapore, mostly when Philippine supply is short.
CR
Costa RicaCaribbean lowlands
Fresh cropCavendish
Harvested all year
A top banana exporter, shipping all year. Mostly to the US and Europe.
GT
GuatemalaIzabal, Escuintla
Fresh cropCavendish
Harvested all year
Grown all year. Mostly sold in North America.
How to pick at the shelf
- ColourGreen tips to eat in a few days. Brown sugar spots are sweetest now.
- FeelFirm, with no splits.
- CrownThe stem end should be firm and free of mould.
At home
KeepCounter only
Lasts3–5 days
Hanging bananas reduces bruising. In the fridge the skin turns black, though the flesh is still fine.
Brand or variety on the label
Buying tips (3)
- Bananas have no real season. Origin matters more for variety than freshness, since bananas are picked green and ripened after shipping.
- Philippine Cavendish is the supermarket default. Try Malaysian Pisang Mas or Berangan from wet markets for more flavour.
- Buy slightly green if you're not eating them within two or three days. Brown sugar spots mean peak sweetness.
Common questions
- When is bananas season in Singapore?
- Philippines: all year; Malaysia: all year; Thailand: all year; Australia: all year; Ecuador: all year; Costa Rica: all year; Guatemala: all year. Fresh-crop months by origin.
- Which country's bananas is best in October?
- Look for Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala.
- How do I pick a ripe bananas?
- Colour: Green tips to eat in a few days. Brown sugar spots are sweetest now. Feel: Firm, with no splits. Crown: The stem end should be firm and free of mould.
- How should I store bananas?
- Counter only. Lasts 3–5 days. Hanging bananas reduces bruising. In the fridge the skin turns black, though the flesh is still fine.