What Are the Best Ways to Keep Bananas Fresh for Longer at Home?

Monday, December 02, 2024 Read time3 min

SAEDNEWS: The proper storage of bananas depends on the stage of ripeness. Fully ripe bananas will stay fresh longer if kept in the refrigerator, while greener bananas should be stored at room temperature to aid the ripening process with the natural ethylene gas produced by the fruit.

What Are the Best Ways to Keep Bananas Fresh for Longer at Home?

According to SAEDNEWS, You've probably encountered the problem where bananas turn black and look bad shortly after buying them. In fact, bananas are one of the fruits that continue to ripen even after being harvested. This is why they are picked while still green and unripe. The reason the banana peel turns brown and black is due to the breakdown of the yellow pigments on the skin, which causes the brown color to appear.

Methods for Storing Bananas in the Refrigerator

Bananas, like tomatoes, apples, and other fruits, produce ethylene gas. This gas accelerates the ripening process of these fruits. One of the reasons bananas are harvested while still unripe is due to this. Bananas ripen quickly, and if left too long on the tree, they turn black and spoil. So, what should you do for long-term banana storage?

Method 1: Storing Bananas in an Airtight Container

Cut the ends of the bananas using a sharp knife or scissors and separate them from each other. Gently rinse the bananas under cold water, then dry them with a clean cloth. Place a dry, clean cotton cloth in a plastic airtight container, and arrange the bananas inside. (The cotton cloth absorbs the moisture in the air that condenses into tiny droplets on the fruit due to the opening and closing of the refrigerator and container lids, helping to prevent the bananas from turning black.)
Close the container and place it on the lower shelves of the refrigerator.

Method 2: Wrapping Bananas in Newspaper

Another method for storing bananas in the fridge for longer periods and preventing skin discoloration is to place them on the lower shelves in the fruit compartment. You can also wrap the bananas in paper or newspaper, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator.

Method 3: Hanging Bananas

One of the practical ways to store bananas in the fridge is to hang them from a hook on the lower shelves. This prevents the bananas from being squashed or damaged, and allows them to remain in cool air. Additionally, you can wrap the banana stems with plastic to reduce oxygen exposure, which helps extend their storage time for up to 7 days.

Long-Term Storage of Bananas in the Freezer

Peel the bananas and cut them into desired pieces.
Quickly place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container, as peeled bananas can turn black quickly.
Store them in the freezer. Frozen bananas can be used for 2 to 4 months.
To use frozen bananas, incorporate them into desserts or other recipes before they thaw completely. If the bananas thaw fully, they may become black and mushy.

Long-Term Storage of Bananas by Drying Them

One of the best methods for storing bananas, especially if you have a large quantity, is to dry them. By doing so, you can enjoy the taste and benefits of bananas for up to a year. To dry bananas, ensure they are firm, ripe, and free from black spots or blemishes so that the dried fruit retains a good taste and appearance. Several methods can be used to dry bananas.

Method for Drying Bananas:

Peel the bananas and cut them into two or three pieces.
Dip the banana pieces in lemon juice to prevent browning, then dry them with a clean towel.
Slice the bananas into round or oval shapes, about half a centimeter thick or slightly more.
Place the slices on a strainer or wire rack, then place the rack on a baking sheet in the middle of the oven (ensure the slices don’t overlap).
Set the oven to the lowest temperature and wait for 7 to 8 hours.
The dried bananas should not be completely dry but should be firm yet slightly chewy, meaning you should be able to bite through them.
Once the dried bananas have cooled, pack them and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for long-term storage.

Bananas

Ready to Make the Perfect Banana Parfait? Here’s How!

Unbelievably Delicious Banana Chocolate Dessert in Minutes!

Labels: Banana Fresh

# Food