Bananas are a popular fruit that many people enjoy, but did you know that most people are storing them incorrectly? Bananas emit ethylene gas, a plant hormone that speeds up the ripening process and enhances flavor. When bananas are stored with other fruits, the excess ethylene gas in the air can cause all the fruits to ripen faster. This is why bananas often turn brown and mushy quickly when left in a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter.
According to Richard Thomas from fridge.com, the best place to store ripe bananas is actually in the fridge. The cooler temperatures in the fridge help to slow down the ripening process by reducing the production of ethylene gas. This means that your bananas can stay fresh for a longer period of time without becoming overripe or developing mold.
It is important to wait until bananas are fully yellow before putting them in the fridge, as chilling green bananas can prevent them from maturing properly and affect their flavor. While the skin of the banana may darken in the fridge, the inside will remain fresh and vibrant. Placing the bananas in a central location in the fridge, rather than the humid lower crisper drawers, can help prolong their freshness even more.
Although tropical fruits like bananas do not thrive in cold temperatures, storing them in the fridge can extend their shelf life by up to two weeks. Richard Thomas advises that refrigerated bananas can last anywhere from seven to 14 days, with the peels darkening but the fruit inside remaining firm and fresh.
So, next time you buy a bunch of bananas, consider storing them in the fridge to enjoy them for a longer period of time. By following this simple storage solution, you can reduce food waste, save money on groceries, and always have fresh bananas on hand for snacking or baking. Give it a try and see the difference it makes in extending the lifespan of your favorite yellow fruit.