Settle This XI: The Peak of the Banana
June 17th, 2010 | by TJ |Look, there’s not a lot of preamble for this one. Phil and I completely, totally, always have and always will disagree on The Peak of the Banana.
Everyone knows that bananas start out green and eventually get totally brown and disgusting and fruit flies fly around and you really should have thrown out that banana a while ago.
Everyone also knows that in the progression from green and inedible to brown and inedible, there is one small period called The Peak of the Banana. It’s when the banana is at its absolute most delicious. I just made that up, but that’s what it’s called now. It’s called The Peak of the Banana.
Anyway, we all grew up the same way, I assume – knowing exactly where The Peak of the Banana was, and aiming to eat all bananas specifically when they fell into the time frame.
Imagine my surprise to move in with Phil, purchase some joint bananas, and realize that we have a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT IDEA of The Peak of the Banana. I grew up with a very clear idea of the maximum banana deliciousness window, and here Phil was, wantonly eating bananas OUTSIDE of that window. And not only was he EATING them, he was claiming that they were, in fact, AT THE PEAK OF THE BANANA.
There can’t be two peaks to a banana. I mean, regular banana style eating. I know that many bananas enjoy a second life as banana bread and mashed banana and frozen banana and whatever. I’m on to all of the loopholes you think are so clever, Internet, and if you haven’t clued in by now, I am rather intolerant of them. Especially now. Especially when we’re discussing something so clear cut as The Peak of the Banana.
Now, having realized that Phil and I have different interpretations of The Peak of the Banana, I understand that some of you may want to offer up your own definition of The Peak of the Banana as a way to solve this problem, but that’s really not interesting to me. My only concern here is proving to Phil that he is completely and totally wrong. Therefore, while I promise to set aside a day next month where we can all sit around and give heartfelt opinions on The Peak of the Banana, today I only want one thing from you.
Which of these bananas is obviously more delicious?
BANANA A:
BANANA B:
Simple, right? Which banana looks most delicious? I await my triumphant and resounding victory in the comments.
PS – Remember this post? Where Phil took over for a day and asked if he should be able to purchase a 52″ television if he passed his big important test and made TSgt? We found out this morning that he made it! TV… still pending. Do you have any idea how BIG 52″ is?
By Wendy on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A is clearly at the peak of banana goodness. I would never, ever, ever eat banana #2 (except in banana bread)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Sigh. One point for Phil.
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By Adlib on Jun 17, 2010
Obviously Banana A, no question.
Hooray for Phil!! Yes, 52″ is big, but when we got a 40″ with our wedding gift money, I thought it was plenty big. Now? I’m thinking it could have been bigger. :)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:22 am
Oh man. Phil 2, me 0.
52″ is freaking huge. I just don’t GET the whole big TV thing. I mean, I want it to be bigger than, you know, 13″ or whatever, but the one we have is perfectly fine!
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Delicia Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I want a tv that size, rather I want two tv’s that size, because then my husband and I won’t fight over it when we use it to play WoW.
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LizP Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:23 am
You won’t say it is huge, once you start playing wii games or any other games on them. It is fantastic!
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Adlib Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Well, while I might possibly eat Banana B, I prefer banana A. I actually like them when they’re *just* past green. Nothing wrong with Banana B, I just like them more pristine. :)
Also, with a big LCD TV, going back to regular TV from HD is inconceivable!
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By Allan on Jun 17, 2010
Definitely banana A. I can’t eat bananas if there’s even the merest hint of green on them, or if they have more than a couple brown spots.
Which makes buying big bunches in the name of saving money a pain in the ass. :P
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:22 am
3-0 Phil! I become disheartened!
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By Diane on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, without a doubt. I can’t eat them if they are even a little bit brown. I prefer a bit of a greenish hue around the edges.
My 3-year-old would say Banana B, but that’s because she calls them “SPRINKLE bananas”. Which is what I told her they were called to get her to eat them so I wouldn’t have to.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:23 am
4-0 for Phil, but if you get your 3 year old to comment, I’m totally counting her on my side.
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By Becky on Jun 17, 2010
A all the way – B is when I peel them and throw them in the freezer for banana bread.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:23 am
5-0 Phil. I can’t believe this! B is just brown on the OUTSIDE. THE OUTSIDE!
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By Flaime on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B is closer to ripe. Therefore, closer to peak deliciousness. The truth is that even banana B needs another day in a paper bag to be fully ripe. It needs 3 more days in a paper bag to be ready for banana bread or smoothie usage.
Banana A is prettier, but banana A is NOT YET RIPE. So how could it possibly be closer to peak banana deliciousness, I ask you? It barely even tastes like banana yet!
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:25 am
FINALLY! 5-1. SOMEONE is reasonable, at least.
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By Melissa on Jun 17, 2010
I don’t eat bananas at all – ick – so I am not qualified to comment on the Peak of the Banana as they both look gross to me.
I put my foot down on TV size – no more than 46″. Jason kept pointing out bigger ones “ooooh, look at THIS one…” I said until he won the lottery and increased the size of my living room threefold, 46″ was it.
Congratulations to Phil!!!
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Do dudes not realize that having a television dominate the ENTIRE ROOM is not only unnecessary, but also totally unappealing?
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Flaime Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Depends on the room. If I had a “media room” dedicated to the viewing of films and television, then I would disagree as the television would be the whole point of the room.
On the other hand, it would be out of place in my living room, which has other purposes than to simply watch television.
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sKRAPS Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
As a dude. We have a 36″ TV, not even HD or any thing, just a big freekin tube!. It fits nicely in out entertainment center. The entertainment center has little sliding doors on it so we can hide the TV when we have guests. I think it is kind of tacky to have a TV dominating the living room. Having said that though, I think I could get a 40″ wide screen in the cabinet and still be happy.
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By Delicia on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, without a shadow of a doubt. In fact, I can almost smell the too-ripe banananess emanating from it *shudder*.
My husband will either either. Which is so wrong I can’t even watch him do it. *hurk*
Diane, you are brilliant and I’m totally stealing that idea if I have another kid.
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Delicia Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:22 am
oops.. smell emanating from Banana B, I meant.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
ARRGGH! Score: 6-1 in favor of Phil. That banana B is BARELY BROWN!
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By Phil's Mom on Jun 17, 2010
If I had my choice, banana A would be the one I chose unless I was making banana bread.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
That makes the score 7-1 in favor of Phil, but at least now it is clear where his banana path just went terribly wrong!
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By Kristy on Jun 17, 2010
I’m going to have to against majority here and say that Banana B is at the Peak. While Banana A is much prettier, it is still at that kind of hard almost a bit tart stage. Banana B is softer and sweeter and thus more satisfying.
Mmmmm, bananas! Truth be told, I love them either way – I just prefer them closer to Banana B!
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:27 am
YES. Banana B may not LOOK as pretty, but it is obviously significantly more tasty on the insides. 7-2!
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By Jade on Jun 17, 2010
Although I would normally go with a peak-time between the two, I would have to say I prefer banana B’s taste to banana A’s. If it gets too brown, though, DH gets it. ;)
And I have eaten a banana outside of its peak time, but only because I really wanted a banana.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Yessssss! 7-3! Team Banana B is gaining!
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By Maebius on Jun 17, 2010
At least I am not alone in considering that Banana B is the pinnacle of Peaked Deliciousness.
Banana A is how you buy them in the store, so that by the time you get home and eat them in a day or two, they are perfect. Not too tart or firm, and juuuust starting to shift to mushy bread-making goodness.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:29 am
You are most definitely not alone. Banana B is clearly the superior banana, and this brings the tally to 7-4.
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By Will on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B is definitely closer to my banana ripeness preference, although I would personally give it another day or two.
But regardless of what my personal preference is, I’ll eat any banana as long as there isn’t any green left on the skin. Any green at all and I refuse to eat it.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I might give it another day or 2 as well, or at least I wouldn’t be unwilling to eat it in a day or 2. I just wanted a demonstrative banana B that was right at the edge of what Phil WILL NOT EAT.
TEAM BANANA B! 7-5 in favor of Banana A.
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By cindy w on Jun 17, 2010
First, “peak of the banana” sounds like a totally dirty euphemism.
Second, either banana is acceptable BECAUSE:
* Banana A is ripe but will likely be a bit firm and tart.
* Banana B, because it’s slightly over-ripe, will be softer and sweeter.
So, it totally depends on which taste you prefer your bananas to have. But I wouldn’t say that either one is right or wrong.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I am not sure which side to count this vote on, so, since it’s my blog, I am totally counting “softer and sweeter” as the more desirable banana state and issuing a ruling that this comment will be counted as a vote for Banana B. Huzzah!
7-6!
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Flaime Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Actually, according to my culinary hero, Alton Brown, banana A is actually not ripe. It’s edible, but it’s not ripe. A banana is not perfectly ripe until the peel is nearly brown. Not black…that’s overripe (but ideal for banana bread, the way I makd it). But brown. And since he is my culinary hero, I’m willing to take Alton’s word for it.
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Adlib Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Alton Brown IS pretty awesome.
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By Anne on Jun 17, 2010
I’m less picky about the peak of the banana and would probably eat either, but given the choice I’d eat banana A.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Well, I will give you some credit at least – Phil will not TOUCH a banana with brown spots at all.
Nonetheless, a vote for banana A. 8-6.
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By Tchann on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B is definitely the best. If it were a bit browner it’d be time for the banana bread, but it’s at that ripe stage where it’ll be sweet and soft and overall awesome.
A pure yellow banana is just going to be harder and more bitter. :(
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:32 am
EXACTLY. 8-7!
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By Jamie Harrington on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, BABY… I have heard about the crazies who think it’s Banana B— and I don’t associate with those types.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Banana A isn’t even BANANA-Y!
9-7 score for Banana A.
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By Kelly on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B is almost too far gone and Banana A isn’t QUITE to the peak of the banana. I can’t eat a banana if there’s any hint of green still on it. In most cases, though, I’d eat Banana B before Banana A. Sadly, in my house, I never get the chance because the other people in my house eat green bananas, so they never get to the peak of the banana. I bring bananas to work sometimes to get the green out of them, and even then my daughter will sneak into my office (she works down the hall) and steal them. I haven’t had a banana in months. Sigh.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Green bananas will STOP YOU UP. That’s what my dad always told me.
Vote for banana B! 9-8 score so far.
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Kelly Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Well, I don’t know about the stopping up bit (and it’s probably true, because I vaguely remember my dear sainted grandmother having a discourse on the subject lo these many years ago), I just think bananas with any green on them taste funny. Kind of furry. Or something. Ick.
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By M.Amanda on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A. Of course, I would still eat and enjoy Banana B, and to be honest, I tend to forget I have bananas and by the time I realize I should be eating them, they look like Banana B, but Banana A is what I hope to consume when I gleefully add them to my shopping cart.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I just don’t get it! How can you prefer banana A when you know how delicious banana B will be!
10-8, banana A. Poo.
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By Heather on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B.
I understand that Banana A obviously is much prettier, but Banana B is sweeter, like a Banana should B. HAHAAA
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Oh man, I wish I could give two points in the tally for excellent commentage. I mean, I totally could, but since Phil is having a banner day, I’ll be fair.
Vote for Banana B! 10-9!
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By Steve on Jun 17, 2010
A still has green on it… it’s not ready yet.
B has brown on it… it’s had it’s day.
So the peak of the banana is probably A, but not until after lunch when it’s had a few more hours :)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:36 am
I’ll never understand the mind of a banana A person.
11-9.
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By Curtai on Jun 17, 2010
The peak is Between the two. I would say 67% of the way from banana A to banana B if banana A and B are boundaries of POTB, which in my way of thinking, is the fact.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Hm, just like above, when I am not sure of how to count a vote, I will remember that this is my blog and I can count votes how I want, so I dub you a fan of Banana B.
11-10 score!
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By Capn John on Jun 17, 2010
Must you be so contrary?
Prior to the photos you asked, “Which of these bananas is obviously more delicious?”
After the photos you said, “Which banana looks most delicious?”
These are two very different questions.
OBVIOUSLY Banana B is more delicious; it is clearly the superior tasting banana.
Banana A only LOOKS the most delicious.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Must you always try to find a loophole!
I forgive you, for obviously making the correct choice in banana B.
TIE SCORE 11-11!
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Capn John Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Yeah, I must ;)
Glad to see I still chose the right banana :D
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By DDStL on Jun 17, 2010
For me, banana B is perfect. Banana A would be a little too hard and not quite as sweet as I like them. Any green at all is a complete no-no in my book.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Banana B takes the lead!
11-12!
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By Mandapanda78 on Jun 17, 2010
I would readily nom Banana A.
And congratulations to Phil on his 52 inches! Wait… what?
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Delicia Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:34 am
*giggle*
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Psh! Banana A is NOT READY FOR EATING.
Yet again, tie score – 12-12.
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By Kimberly on Jun 17, 2010
Obviously Banana B, because it has some browning to it, but there’s at least a day left before it gets too brown and mushy. Banana A, being completely yellow (with some green at the top) is too not sweet enough and too firm. One shouldn’t have to work your jaw to deal with a banana! ;)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Exactly. Banana B is not MUSHY, it’s just… decorative.
12-13 in favor of banana B!
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By HokieJayBee on Jun 17, 2010
for someone where the aesthetics of the banana matters, like selling 3-year-old lil HokieJayBee on it, Banana A is an easier sell.
but banana B will taste better and is closer to TPOTB, almost maybe still being a little early.
if you were to peel bananas A & B and do a blind taste test, not knowing what the peel of the banana looked like for either tasting specimen, i’d wager that most people would select the sample of banana B as the more delicious tasting banana snack.
i’m going to WaWa now to get some banana pudding with nilla wafers. thanks.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I totally believe that in a blind taste test, people would prefer the taste of banana B. You shouldn’t judge a banana by its skin!
12-14 in favor of banana B!
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By sKRAPS on Jun 17, 2010
I feel like I am falling into a trap and not siding with the guy, but banana A is clearly the superior banana.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:43 am
You are definitely siding with the guy and it is SO NOT APPRECIATED.
Banana B remains in the lead, though, 13-14
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By Bennet on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, without a doubt. Brown spots on anything else means it’s going rotten – so too with bananas in my book…
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Only INSIDE brown spots mean the banana is going rotten, not outside brown spots!
Tie score, boooo. 14-14
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By JEC on Jun 17, 2010
I would eat either banana, but I have more faith in banana B. I think you have to roll the dice a little whenever you eat a banana. But I’m more confident that B hasn’t gone too far than I am confident that A is ready.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:46 am
I’m a little disappointed that you don’t see the absolute perfection in Banana B, but appreciate your faith that has allowed Banana B to retake the lead!
14-15!
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By PTD on Jun 17, 2010
I’d have to agree that in a blind taste test, most would actually select banana B. It’s just being maligned for it’s looks, where we associate the brown-ness for it “going bad.” In the parlance of banana, turning brown is actually “going good.”
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Hee. “Going good.” EXACTLY.
Banana B widens the lead! 14-16.
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By Fyurae on Jun 17, 2010
My vote is Banana A.M – somewhere in between these two is optimal. If I had to choose between the two, Banana B.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:47 am
14-17 Banana B!
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By Shawndra on Jun 17, 2010
I think I saw a couple people state they would take whatever banana they could get. I’m one of those. In my house, if you don’t grab one the minute they hit the kitchen table, you would never know they were even bought.
If I were childless, I would wait, impatiently, for my banana to resemble banana B. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that the more freckles, the sweeter they are inside? That’s what my mom used to say about kids. It works for bananas, too.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:48 am
I live in fear of having a kid and it taking PHIL’S side and the two of them eating up all the bananas before the reach B status. B ALL THE WAY!
14-18 banana B!
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By Flame on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B – although the one pictured is a little too ripe for my tastes. I like them a tad less spotted.
We have this going on in our house. My husband likes Banana A better and will buy a large bunch of A’s so that he gets them and then leave me a few to get to the B stage – so it all works out. Anything I don’t get to eating turns into banana bread. Then we both win. :)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Oh, it definitely works out that way in our house. He never eats all the As before he declares them Bs and I get some, I just feel like he’s really missing out!
GO B! 14-19
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By Steve – Kestrel's Aerie on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A still has a tinge of green at the stem end. Therefore, it is NOT at the peak. NO GREEN MUST SHOW. Also, to be at peak, there must be NO MORE THAN 10 brown spots on the banana. Up to 10 spots and it’s still not too soft. Even at full yellow (because of the way they are picked, packed and shipped), they can be too hard.
Rule of Banana Peakness: If it makes a noise when sliced, it’s too hard, and therefore NOT at peak.
However, all of that is beside the point. The REAL point is, congratulations to Phil
on the 52″ score!
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:53 am
One, I am totally counting your vote as a vote for Banana B because I can. But I am sure Phil will overlook your treachery in favor of your congratulations, as I am sure you are aware of how tough that rank is.
14-20 Banana B!
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By lenebean on Jun 17, 2010
If I had to choose between the two, I would say Banana A. But to be honest, I actually prefer bananas that are even less ripe than that. I typically can only buy 3 bananas at a time because that’s all I can eat before they go beyond what I consider edible. I also have a former coworker who believes that bananas are only edible when they’re practically green. As such, her hubby never gets any of the bananas when they are at what he considers The Peak of the Banana.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:56 am
I’m starting to think the adoration of unripe bananas is a left side of the country thing. COME ON! It’s not even banana-ish yet!
15-20, still in favor of banana B!
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By Jessi on Jun 17, 2010
Obviously, Banana A.
Okay, now I am going to do precisely what you asked us not to do and offer ass-vice. Here it is: It’s better that you and he have a different peak of the banana. It leads to less banana arguments. You eat bananas during your peak, he eats them during his peak and hopefully no banana is ever thrown out. Frankly, there are four people in our house and we all have a different peak of the banana. Which means I haven’t had banana bread in ages, but whatever, I also haven’t had banana induced fruit flies for ages. Sorry for not following the rules. I suck. I can’t help myself.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Oh, I get your advice. It actually really does work out for us – he never eats all the bananas while they’re in the A state, leaving plenty for me in B status. But he doesn’t even give the B bananas a chance! He has no idea what he’s missing!
(Actually, when I make him PB and banana sandwiches, I make them with B bananas, but he doesn’t know that. Shhh!)
16-20, Banana B still winning!
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Jessi Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I should have figured that you knew that already. I have the man disease where I feel the need to solve all your problems. It shouldn’t be able to coexist with my breasts, but it does.
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By lucidkim on Jun 17, 2010
I would have eaten Banana A yesterday, but would still eat it today. Banana B is not only smelling up the kitchen, if it was even in the trash I would have to take it out because it would be stinking up the house even from the trashcan. I would never eat Banana B.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Gracious! People are very serious about their bananas!
17-20 – Banana A is gaining on Banana B again!
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By Kristabella on Jun 17, 2010
I have this argument with my co-worker almost daily. Because I prefer Banana B! And I bring them in like that and she’s always like “you’re not going to eat that, are you? It’s ready for banana bread!”
But I love them soft and mushy and a little brown like that! Mmmmm….
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:04 am
B is in NO WAY ready for banana bread! It wouldn’t even mush up THAT easily. Team Banana B! Team Banana B!
17-21 in favor of Banana B!
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Kristabella Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:10 am
I KNOW! It is SO not ready for banana bread!
TEAM B FTW!!
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By Belly Girl on Jun 17, 2010
You have represented the perfect spectrum – banana A is no longer green and bitter, banana B isn’t quite brown enough to be bad. I would eat them both happily. And for the record, I don’t think bananas are ready for bread until you can hardly see any yellow. But that’s for the PEAK OF THE BANANA BREAD post.
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By Chibi Jeebs on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, hands down: as others have said above me, Banana B is ready for the freezer/banana bread. That being said, I’ve been called *weird* in my fruit particulars on more than one occasion, so take my opinion as you’d like.
(Congrats to Phil! Chebbar was looking at an em-effing SIXTY INCH TV awhile back. We live in an apartment, not a football stadium. And they tell us size doesn’t matter… *snort*)
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I can’t believe how many people would abandon banana B for mushing up instead of delicious immediate eating!
18-21, still in Banana B’s favor, though!
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Chibi Jeebs Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:21 am
There’s a point at which the smell and taste changes that takes me STRAIGHT back to amoxicilin syrup as a kid. *gags* Just can’t do it, even if I try to force myself. :(
The good news? You never have to share bananas!
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By twww on Jun 17, 2010
Congratulations to Phil!
My husband would choose Banana A while I would choose Banana B. Any riper and they get sliced and frozen for smoothies and such.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Since this is my blog, I am totally only counting your vote. Yay Team B!
18-22, with B still in the lead!
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By Marylin on Jun 17, 2010
I’d choose to eat banan B ove banana A. It’s gonna be nice n sweet without being brown at all.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Exactly, only the outsides are brown. You obviously have a very discerning banana eye.
18-23, team B!
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By lenebean on Jun 17, 2010
I would even say that Banana B is too ripe for smoothies. I might consider feeding part of one to my dog. But they are too banana-y for me, which is why I can’t stand banana bread. I guess I should admit at this juncture that there have been whole spans of years when I have refused to eat bananas.
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I guess if you’re not a fan of banana-y flavor, I could see how you wouldn’t choose banana B at all. It’s just that Phil LOVES bananas, he says. He likes banana milkshakes and banana bread and banana flavored stuff. Yet, banana A is totally lacking in banana flavor, and that’s the one he wants? IT MAKES NO SENSE.
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By Aziatic on Jun 17, 2010
Clearly banana B – I don’t think banana A would taste much like anything at that stage!
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TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Exactly. And Phil, someone who loves all things banana flavored, is going to choose Banana A? He obviously doesn’t even know what he is MISSING!
18-24 in favor of Banana B!
[Reply]
By Natalie on Jun 17, 2010
Hmm, I don’t know why I continue to respond to questions when I don’t really have an opinion. I would eat either one. I do think banana A would be a little too hard and the stringy things too aggressive, but I could deal.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:26 am
I seriously snort-laughed at the idea of an aggressive banana. Like you lower the peel and little banana creatures belay out on the strings, waving little banana swords… I need to get out more often.
[Reply]
Flame Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 8:55 am
ok… now I’m envisioning evil bananas! LOL
[Reply]
By Marc on Jun 17, 2010
B
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:27 am
YES. Simple and to the point. BANANA B.
18-25 banana B!
[Reply]
By PeanutButterCup on Jun 17, 2010
I’m going to speak mathematically of curves, since a banana is a curve. If we are talking of curves and not of the points that make up the curve, then both of you can be eating a delicious banana at it’s peak because a peak is not a point. It is a series of points that exist at such a time as to be a range. What you are really arguing is that the range of points that phil likes are outside of the range of points that you like. I disagree. I think there is a range of points you both can agree you like, that becomes the new peak of the banana. It’s not as wide as either of you formerly believed was the peak of the banana because the constraints on the peak are more narrow. So…. stop arguing points.
*grin* Of course you can just tell me I’m crazy and that I share in wrongness. But I’m really right.
[Reply]
Capn John Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:22 am
This!!!
The value of tPotB is the same for both of you, it’s just Phil’s Standard Deviation of the Mean is bigger than your own. By about 52″ :D
[Reply]
PeanutButterCup Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Isn’t math fun? lol, BTW, I have a 52″ tv and sit about 15′ from it and it’s awesome.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Obviously, you are not yet familiar enough with Settle This type questions, so I will not berate you up and down the comments section. BUT NEXT TIME, I WILL NOT BE FORGIVING.
[Reply]
PeanutButterCup Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:49 am
You should so totally just count it as a vote for your side.
[Reply]
By Swiftless on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A for sure
I’d eat the hell out of banana B too, but for me its way too ripe for the prime banana peak consideration.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Hahahaha, I forgive you because “eat the hell out of it” sounds hilarious.
19-25 for banana B!
[Reply]
By Charlotte on Jun 17, 2010
Freckly, speckly, gorgeous Banana B. It’s not quite at banana bread ripeness, still a touch firm, has had good time to sweeten and there is not even a hint of green. However, since bananas usually come in fairly big bunches you can start eating them at point A then continue eating until the last couple are at point B.
[Reply]
Fyurae Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:53 am
My mother is banana-obsessive. If we have a hand of bananas they only last about a day and a half. She also likes to eat them when they are black all over, but they never last that long.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:40 am
HIGH FIVE BANANA B!
19-26 score, B in the lead!
[Reply]
By Lynnette on Jun 17, 2010
Hmmm. I would have to go for B-. Not quite as freckled (and smelly) as Banana B, but A is way too unripe. Of course, I can only occasionally eat bananas now as I ate thousands of them during pregnancy to stave off brain-fucking leg cramps and now can barely tolerate the smell.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:40 am
I don’t understand all of these people who can smell the unpeeled bananas, but never the less, a vote for me!
19-27, team banana B!
[Reply]
By CWanderlust on Jun 17, 2010
Bananas aside, I think it’s an interesting arrangement that you two have, whenever you reach individual goals it seems like you reward yourselves with big things. Big Sheldon and now, Big TV. What’s next?
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Big ol’ steak dinner tonight!
[Reply]
By LizP on Jun 17, 2010
Obviously A, only way I will eat B is to put them in oatmeal.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Hrmph. At least B is still leading!
20-27, with banana B in the lead!
[Reply]
LizP Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:49 am
I don’t like the strong banana smell when it gets too ripe.
[Reply]
By Suzy on Jun 17, 2010
I would eat B if it came down to that or nothing but prefer a lil more “green-ness”, hence making A my choice.
Its great you and Phil like different bananas, really. In our house, once it gets to B or beyond, it isn’t edible anymore and just sits in the basket stinking up the kitchen & drawing fruit flies. Ugh. Where do those lil pests come from anyway??
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:43 am
haha, I don’t think you really want to know where the fruit flies come from… trust me!
21-27 – at the end of this round of comments, banana B remains in the lead though banana A has had a strong showing!
[Reply]
Mandapanda78 Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Yeah but if Phil is eating all the Banana A bananas, no banana is ever getting to stage B! Granted, even looking at the stage B banana makes me gag, but I feel for TJ, yaknow?
[Reply]
By Kim Z on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A. A little green at the tip wouldn’t hurt either. Now, if it were a plantain I would feel quite differently.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I have never in my life had a plantain. Does it taste like a delicious banana B?
Boo, one point for banana A. 22-27.
[Reply]
By boomer on Jun 17, 2010
Count me firmly in the Banana A camp. Daylight come and me wan’ go home, etc.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Fine, have non-delicious bananas!
23-27.
[Reply]
By z-man on Jun 17, 2010
I like them with just a little less brown then me, but Banana B is at it’s peak. I think the issue is we, as humans, are just conditioned that brown = BAD. When in fact it all depends on the situation.
Brown stains in your underwear = BAD
Light brown spots on your banana = MUCHO GOOD
Since the former paints a picture one would rightly assume is bad, yet gives the color brown a bad name.
How many times have you hear the phrase “Golden BROWN and delicious”?
One must use the proper context for brown.
And knowing is half the battle.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
EXCELLENT explanation. 23-28, banana B!
[Reply]
By z-man on Jun 17, 2010
Re-posted to fix a fantastically bad typo:
I like them with just a little less brown myself, but Banana B is at it’s peak. I think the issue is we, as humans, are just conditioned that brown = BAD. When in fact it all depends on the situation.
Brown stains in your underwear = BAD
Light brown spots on your banana = MUCHO GOOD
Since the former paints a picture one would rightly assume is bad, yet gives the color brown a bad name.
How many times have you hear the phrase “Golden BROWN and delicious”?
One must use the proper context for brown.
And knowing is half the battle.
[Reply]
By Aboo on Jun 17, 2010
A = Full of win.
B is only good for PB&B sammiches and very soon, bread.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
B has days of life left! Days!
24-28, still in favor of B!
[Reply]
By Bernie on Jun 17, 2010
Banana “B”. Take this from someone who has eaten bananas that had to be peeled with a knife and crunched like a carrot.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Yesssss, 24-29, B.
[Reply]
By Alex on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Obviously you’re siding with Phil because he’s having such an excellent day and you don’t want to bring him down. It’s 25-29, and still in favor of B!
[Reply]
By Natalie on Jun 17, 2010
You know how sometimes if you say a word a lot of times it starts to sound nonsensical? After reading all these comments, the word banana has started to have no meaning when I read it. It is a pretty silly word, if you think about it.
Others went math-nerd, I have gone language-nerd. I already voted, anyway.
[Reply]
By Alias Mother on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A. No question. Once a banana reaches the level of B, the texture makes me gag.
[Reply]
Alias Mother Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I posted before reading all the other comments and now I have this to add:
1) It’s not that those of us who don’t like B think that brown = BAD. I don’t care what color it is. The texture of B is grainy and mushy and blurgh. I’d hate it even if it were a lovely shade of fuchsia.
2) The word “banana” looks bizarre after you’ve seen it repeated 700 times.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I will never understand you banana A people. I don’t like the way it feels on my teeth!
26-29, but still in favor of B so far.
[Reply]
By Slim on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A.
But ix-nay on the massive TV.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I might forgive you for your banana vote since you sided with me on the TV.
27-29, banana A is gaining!
[Reply]
By z-man on Jun 17, 2010
It was just a theory.
[Reply]
By Tracey on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A is perfect. While technically under-ripe, it has both a firm texture and a subtle sweetness. Banana B will be squishy and OVERLY banana-y. Either fault would be bad, together they are appalling. B would be a good choice for slicing onto cereal, but no longer acceptable for eating straight or on a sandwich. (Mmmmmm, PB and Banana!)
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
NO SUCH THING AS OVER BANANISH!
Pft!
28-29 – banana A is right on banana B’s tail.
[Reply]
By stacey on Jun 17, 2010
I like my bananas when they are still a little green and crunchy, but I know I’m a freak so that’s ok. If my only option was A or B, I’d have to go with A.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Crunchy? Crunchy bananas?
You’ve tied the score at 29-29 with that insanity!
[Reply]
By Shadowfire on Jun 17, 2010
I’d eat both, but I think I’d Be one step back from B. So I guess count it as A B……
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Hm, I’m counting that as a vote for B, because it’s my site and I can, and B retakes the lead! 29-30!
[Reply]
By Leah @ L4L on Jun 17, 2010
Um, obviously A, right? Unless you are baking. Then browner is better. Or putting it in oatmeal where mush = pleasant. But straight up banana eating? A. Yellow and bright and happy.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Only the outside is brown! The inside is soft and banany!
Tied up again at 30-30.
[Reply]
By Miss Grace on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, obviously, unless we need smooshy disgusting bananas for baking.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Since I’m DEAD TO YOU, I shouldn’t even count this vote, but I suppose I will, and let banana A reclaim the lead – 31-30.
[Reply]
By kath on Jun 17, 2010
Huh. I don’t like bananas, but I am going to vote Banana B since that’s how my husband and kids prefer them.
Also because Banana B would be an awesome name for a one-hit-wonder band.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Yessssss, re-tied the score. I am totally on the edge of my banana here! 31-31.
[Reply]
By Ambrosine on Jun 17, 2010
A is for eating.
B is on its way to banana bread.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Auuuughhh. 32-31 for banana A.
[Reply]
By Justine on Jun 17, 2010
I like a banana that tastes like banana, so Banana B. My boss will actually have a Banana A at the beginning of the day, and if it has one tiny blemish, like A DOT on it after a couple of hours, she’ll hand it over to me, because she can no longer eat it. I agree with many of the other (Banana B) commenters, Bananas A have a weird bitterness to them…
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
EXACTLY. It tastes like BANANA!
All tied up, 32-32!
[Reply]
By PsychMamma on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A. Obviously.
Just looking at B makes me feel gaggy.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
How do you people even eat bananas! I’ll never understand A people!
33-32, banana A in the lead again.
[Reply]
By Emma C on Jun 17, 2010
Can I say that I don’t believe in the peak of a banana, just so long as it isn’t mushy inside, then I will eat it *hides*
[Reply]
By Aufero on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A is the only color scheme in which I will eat bananas by themselves.
Banana B is only good for smoothies or bread.
I suspect my opinion is based on having too many examples of banana B stuffed in my school lunches as a kid, which tended to emerge at lunchtime as squished banana ooze all over my sandwich.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Banana B in that picture is hardly a mush fest, it’s a delicious circus!
34-32, banana A is pulling away in the lead!
[Reply]
By Kerri Anne on Jun 17, 2010
BANANA B, AHOY! Who are these people that eat their bananas un-freckled? For shame!
I seriously used to have to hide bananas in my room (not a euphemism, I SWEAR), just because my sister would always eat all the bananas before they were even finished being green. See also: EWH.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Hahahaha. For shame, INDEED.
34-33, banana B is re-gaining!
[Reply]
By Anna on Jun 17, 2010
I will eat either banana, and often do, since it’s not possible to buy a lot of bananas and eat them ALL at the PEAK OF THE BANANA. But as others have stated, Banana A is not yet ripe. Banana B is closer to ripe, and so I am in Banana B camp, as long as Banana B isn’t so far spotted that it’s too smushy to eat. Bananas should be eaten spotted enough to be sweet but not so brown that they have to be squeezed out of the skin or eaten with a spoon.
Bananas for smoothies and bread need to turn totally brown/black before I’ll smush them up.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Whoooo hoo! Score, re-tied!
34-34
[Reply]
By Karla on Jun 17, 2010
Absolutely banana A. I would only eat a banana at stage B if I was desperate. However banana B isn’t brown enough for banana bread yet, either.
I don’t mind the ripe/sweet flavour of abanana at stage B, but there’s too much of a risk of mushy brown spots on the inside, and I can’t handle those.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Banana B only in desperation? But it’s the perfect banana! I just don’t understand!
35-34, banana A.
[Reply]
By Emma on Jun 17, 2010
A looks icky. It’s got that greenish taste, I can just tell. Definitely B.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Exactly. It doesn’t taste like banana, it tastes like green.
Tie score! 35-35
[Reply]
By Caroline on Jun 17, 2010
A for sure. B is sweeter but too mushy for me. It needs to sit on the counter for a few more days before disappearing into banana bread.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
B is definitely not mushy, it’s just not CRUNCHY! Give B a chance!
36-35, banana A.
[Reply]
Caroline Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 9:31 am
I’ll give B a chance… in some bread. Or maybe in oatmeal, if I’m feeling generous.
[Reply]
By Kirsten on Jun 17, 2010
Are you still keeping a tally?
A is totally the right answer.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I am still keeping it but I totally begrudge adding another point for A!
Nonetheless, 37-35 in favor of A.
[Reply]
By TheWicked on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A all the way!
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I can’t believe this late in the game upswing for banana A!
38-35 for banana A.
[Reply]
By Swistle on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A and let’s have no backtalk.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
You have children, though, with like, 20 limbs and 100 banana-grabbing digits between them. Banana A is probably the only way you ever get to eat a banana!
39-35 for banana A.
(WHOA, seriously though – ONE HUNDRED DIGITS.)
[Reply]
By Gel on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B! As long as the banana isn’t super squishy I like them a little ripe. I usually buy banana’s when they look like banana A so that when I actually want to eat a banana they will be just right.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
See, exactly. You have a perfect banana strategy. 39-36 for banana A so far, but I have faith in banana B winning the day!
[Reply]
By Dawn K. on Jun 17, 2010
AHHH!!! It’s like you read my mind! There is a banana in our kitchen right now that looks like banana B that I REFUSE to touch. My husband tries to tell me it is perfectly wonderful to eat.
I much prefer my banana to look and taste like banana A. B is already much to squishy and bland for my liking.
I’m glad to know that it’s normal for people to disagree on when it’s best to eat a banana.
‘Settle This’ posts always make my day!
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
I am totally with your husband, actually! It’s Phil who is totally into the perfectly yellow bananas. It’s like a whole different world!
The score is 40-36 in favor of banana A!
[Reply]
By Mel on Jun 17, 2010
If I were to eat it at this exact moment – B. Soft, but not too soft with an excellent flavor. A is too hard yet.
Now I have to read all of the comments.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
When you read the comments, you will see that the SANE people agree with us!
40-37 in favor of banana A so far though.
[Reply]
By Gail on Jun 17, 2010
Definitly banana A. Banana B is ready for banana bread. I can’t eat them if they are even a little bit mushy.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Poor banana B, so maligned! It’s definitely not ready for bread yet, it’s still delicious in there!
41-37 in favor of A.
[Reply]
By RabidCoqui on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B of course… I like for my banana to taste like banana. Of course there’s plenty of things that can be done even with green bananas so this mainly applies to eating right after peeling.
Grats to Phil on making Tech. What’s his line number? Has he estimated his pin-on date? Make sure to really tack them on at the ceremony… shame most just give a love tap these days. Once had a guy break his hand tacking stripes onto a new Staff.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
His line number is 23XX something, I think. We’re looking at 3 or 4 months, maybe? He got punched with some stickers this morning, but I’m sure he’ll get super-punched later on.
41-38, still in favor of banana A.
[Reply]
By Ruune on Jun 17, 2010
This is one of those issues where I never imagined that there could be so many people so insistent on a plainly WRONG point of view. Banana B is perfect, Banana A isn’t even fruit yet. What is *wrong* with you A people?
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
My faith in humanity was restored with the “NOT EVEN FRUIT YET” line.
41-39, banana B is gaining!
[Reply]
By Taxera on Jun 17, 2010
banana A defintly its perect
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
It may LOOK perfect, but it won’t TASTE perfect!
42-39, banana A.
[Reply]
By Shin Ae on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A is delicious. Banana B is an unacceptable banana.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Banana A isn’t even a banana yet! It’s a prepubescent fruit!
Huff!
43-39, banana A.
[Reply]
By Arwen on Jun 17, 2010
Well, I get a lot of grief for my banana preferences, but… Banana A is about a day too ripe for me. I like my bananas with little accents of green around the edges.
It goes without saying that Banana B is waaaaay too ripe for me. Yuck.
(Sorry, TJ!)
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Oh gracious, you should barely even be counted as a banana eater, but I suppose I’ll count you as a vote for A!
44-39, banana A.
[Reply]
By Tammy on Jun 17, 2010
Oh, banana A without question. I can barely look at banana B. Sorry.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I never knew people like you existed until I met Phil!
45-39, banana A.
[Reply]
Tammy Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
See how Phil has broadened your horizons??
[Reply]
By Rhonda on Jun 17, 2010
I have to choose Banana A. I hate squishy brown banana bits with a passion, so much that if there’s even one little bit on the whole banana I can’t eat it, it makes me gag.
So even though Banana B may not have any brown squishies on the inside I’ve been disappointed too many times to take the risk. Banana A is much safer in the icky squishiness stakes.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
You need to rediscover your faith in bananas! Banana B is magnificent!
46-39- banana A.
[Reply]
By Bumwaller on Jun 17, 2010
Banana B – flavor is way better when the spots show up.
[Reply]
TJ Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
They should be called flavor flecks or something!
46-40: banana A wins the day, but BARELY!
[Reply]
By Confused on Jun 17, 2010
I would say neither unless i had a good book to read and the rest of the day left to sit in the ‘room for one’ >.< Why do i have to be allergic to one of the few fruits i want to eat.
As to the TV i would say compramise on a size that not only suits both of you but the room its going in as well. I have a large TV (Must replace with Flat Screen) and it practically occupies on end of the room that it's in.
[Reply]
By Tristan on Jun 17, 2010
Yuuck, Bananas….
Green or Red apples is the question… And Green is way better!
[Reply]
By Julie on Jun 17, 2010
Banana A, all the way!
Since I only like uncooked bananas, Banana B is on its way to the bin unless I can convince the kidlet to eat it.
As for TV – we have a 42″ for normal viewing, and a ceiling-mounted projector with a 102″ pull-down screen for big sports events and movies, which is just awesome and the perfect compromise (because it’s not a compromise at all).
[Reply]
By criscopolo on Jun 17, 2010
For sure banana B – perfect softness.
And for TV’s…
My dad bought himself a 103″ TV for his birthday two years ago.
Talk about ridiculous!
[Reply]
By Scara on Jun 18, 2010
Banana A! B is past its prime and needs to let go of its glory days.
[Reply]
By ZombiePirate on Jun 18, 2010
Just throwing in my two penneth that I dont even eat bananas, or any fruit really, just not a fruit person after getting married and having my wife trot it out after every meal 99 times out of 100. Completely turned me off fruit.
[Reply]
By lestast on Jun 18, 2010
Bannana B of course, no way could I touch the other one…
[Reply]
By Raistiff on Jun 18, 2010
Out of those choices I would have to side with Banana A, but my preference is a bit more green if possible 8)
[Reply]
By Melme on Jun 18, 2010
I have to say Banana A, but it’s completely a texture issue. Once the brown spots start showing up, bananas get too soft and it kind of grosses me out. Sorry!
[Reply]
By Aboo on Jun 18, 2010
Wow… I think this might be the first time in history in which TJ as been proven wrong by the inter-web.
[Reply]
By Aboo on Jun 18, 2010
The TV argument can be easily settled, possibly. :) If you have a small living room or will always be close to the TV then there is a valid argument for a smaller screen.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000021501
But personally, I would take out walls for the 52″‘s of glory :)
[Reply]
By lak on Jun 18, 2010
I’d eat both, but prefer banana A.
[Reply]
By leah on Jun 18, 2010
Eww, definitely A.
Congrats to Phil! Where would you put a ridiculously large tv anyway?!
[Reply]
By Andy on Jun 18, 2010
Banana A. Hands Down.
[Reply]
By Tim on Jun 18, 2010
I realize voting is likely closed, and this may have already been brought up, but there’s a difference — at least in this case — between “ripeness” and “how much someone likes to eat the fruit in question at that stage.” I believe that — technically speaking — brown spots, and even blackness, connotes ripeness in bananas. So people can clearly state their preference for bananas sans brown/black, but that doesn’t mean the bananas they prefer are more or less ripe.
Clearly, I’m siding with TJ on this one, both in terms of preference, and in terms of scientific validity.
And I think it’s all kinds of awesome that there are 220+ replies to this thread. It’s all about priorities. ; )
[Reply]
By Tim on Jun 18, 2010
Not to suggest that ehow.com is the, or even an authoritative source, but I offer the following:
“Ready to Eat:
While partly green bananas are perfectly safe to eat, the banana does not reach its peak of ripeness until it has begun to produce brown freckles and spots. At the browning stage, the majority of the starch has converted to sugar, offering the highest level of sweetness. The best time to consume a banana is, in fact, when most people would consider it to be beginning to rot.”
Read more: Stages of a Ripening Banana | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4601159_stages-ripening-banana.html#ixzz0rETNfllz
[Reply]
By Erin on Jun 18, 2010
This ties into our countries corporate-ization of food. We genetically produce to LOOK better, while taste and nutrition take back seats. Banana B is clearly going to have more flavor, having RIPENED more, but Banana A is what we’re used to seeing on nutrition posters, on TV, etc.
Me, I vote for B, for flavor!
I will accept the validity of commenters who prefer the more tart flavor of an under-ripe banana. However, you’re not off the hook. My sister used to love green strawberries out of our garden, and while the more generous will say “To each their own,” that is only the case when any strawberries were left on the plant long enough to turn red (she ate them all green, leaving the rest of us with none). So, nearly-green banana eaters, be respectful of the rest of us and share accordingly.
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By Laura on Jun 19, 2010
A. Well, A over B anyway, but ideally A needs a little more time. It’s texture – A would be a little too firm, but B would be getting too squishy.
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By Jesicka on Jun 19, 2010
Banana B! I have always thought of those little brown freckles as a good indicator to banana awesomeness
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By GamerGirl on Jun 20, 2010
Banana A. Banana B will be all squishy and start to get those brown spots on the inside and it’s just gross.
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By JK on Jun 20, 2010
A is still too firm, B is too mushy. My “peak banana” is actually somewhere in between the 2.
If I *had* to eat one or the other… A it would be.
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By Wynthea on Jun 20, 2010
It is VERY OBVIOUSLY banana B. Banana A is still unripe, and will have that weird flavor of un-ripe banana. I feel very strongly about this. (POSSIBLE EXCEPTION if you are putting banana in your cereal, because firmer banana holds up better in milk, and the milk covers the weird flavor.)
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By Kat @ Living Like the Kings on Aug 10, 2011
I am going to go with A, although to be totally honest…I’d eat B without a blink of an eye. The hubs…well he would disagree with me.
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