Yes, bright green bananas are safe to eat. However, their taste and texture are quite different from ripe, yellow bananas, which may not appeal to everyone.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Safety: Green bananas are not poisonous or harmful. The reference text clearly states that "green unripe bananas are also safe to eat."
- Taste and Texture: The primary difference lies in the high starch content of green bananas. This makes them less sweet and gives them a harder, waxy, or even slightly bitter taste compared to the soft, sweet flavor of ripe bananas.
- Digestibility: Green bananas contain resistant starch, which can be harder to digest for some people. This can potentially lead to gas or bloating. As the banana ripens, this starch converts into simpler sugars, making it easier to digest.
- Nutritional Differences: While both green and yellow bananas are nutritious, green bananas contain more resistant starch and less sugar. Resistant starch acts like fiber, potentially promoting gut health.
In summary, while you can eat bright green bananas, you might prefer to wait until they ripen if you prefer a sweeter, softer fruit and easier digestion.