Green or immature bananas taste starchy, bland, and not as sweet as ripe, yellow ones. If the banana is too unripe, it tastes bitter and has an off-putting waxy texture.

Unripe bananas, on the other hand, contain more starch and have a starchy, slightly sour flavor. This change in sugar content as the banana ripens contributes to its overall flavor profile, making ripe bananas more appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

Unripe, or green, bananas have a firmer texture and a more bitter taste than their ripe counterparts. The age of the fruit plays a significant role in its culinary applications. Green bananas lack the sweetness of ripe bananas because they contain more complex carbohydrates and less sugar.