Customer Service Answers Some Fruit Quality Questions

Fruit Quality Grab Bag

Winter can bring some challenges to keeping fruit at the appropriate temperatures during transport. Our buyers, packers, and delivery people do their best to keep fruit protected from extreme temperature exposure. But if your fruit ever doesn’t look right, please give us a call at 1-877-FRUIT-ME (877-378-4863) and we will make it right for you. Our job here at The FruitGuys is to keep you happy.

Here are answers to some fruit quality questions:

Q: Why are my bananas green?
A: Our goal is to deliver bananas that are yellow with a light green tip. This color indicates the stage at which a banana will be both sweet and firm. Because bananas become yellower, softer and sweeter as they ripen (their starches convert to sugar) we feel that this yellow with green tip color allows for the maximum number of days for the banana to be both enjoyable and tasty in your office as it ripens. Sometimes, because of temperature or humidity conditions, bananas may not ripen as quickly as we anticipated during the few hours between the time of packing your box and delivering it to you. If this is the case and you are unhappy with the banana color, please call us and we will replace them. As an FYI – greener bananas will ripen to yellow if left at room temperature. To help speed the ripening process, put bananas in a paper bag along with an apple overnight. The natural ethylene gas coming from the apple will help ripen your bananas. If you have any other questions or concerns about this very delicate fruit, please let us know as our goal is to always make sure that you are happy and enjoying our fruit. Just call 1-877-FRUIT-ME (877-378-4863) or email us at  info@fruitguys.com.

Q: Why do bananas turn black?
A: Bananas are sub-tropical fruits and are very delicate. They can be easily damaged by extreme temperatures, hot or cold. If bananas are turning black then most likely the fruit was exposed to extremely cold temperatures. If this ever happens to any FruitGuys bananas, please call us and we will send you a replacement or refund right away.

Q: Why are some tangerines so soft?
A: If you see a squishy and wrinkled tangerine in your mix it just may be a delicious Satsuma mandarin. Satsumas are the Shar-pei of the fruit world and often have a wrinkly and soft outer skin. They are naturally easy to peel (just turn it over and push down in the bottom center of the skin with your finger and it will open with a “pop”). Remember — Satsumas outer skin is meant to be puffy and soft. It does not mean there is anything wrong with the tangerine. The actual fruit inside will be firm and super delicious!