Bananas are a staple in many fruit bowls, but improper storage methods can lead to their quick loss of freshness. Did you know that bananas release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening and enhances flavour, similar to other fruits like apples? This ethylene gas can cause all fruits nearby to ripen faster, a handy trick for speeding up the ripening of fruits such as avocados. However, due to bananas’ high ethylene production, they have a short shelf life, especially when stored in a fruit bowl, which only hastens their decay.
Richard Thomas from fridge.com suggests a simple solution – store ripe bananas in the refrigerator to slow down ethylene emission and extend their freshness. Storing bananas in the fridge helps maintain their quality, especially once they have reached the desired ripeness level. By chilling bananas once they are fully yellow, you can prevent them from becoming overripe, brown, mushy, or mouldy.
Although storing bananas in the fridge may cause their skins to blacken due to the cold, the inside of the fruit remains fresh and firm, prolonging their shelf life by up to two weeks. Placing bananas centrally in the fridge, rather than in humid drawers, can further extend their longevity. According to Richard, refrigerated bananas can last anywhere from seven to 14 days, maintaining their firmness and freshness.
It’s important to refrigerate bananas only when they are fully yellow to ensure proper ripening. While tropical fruits like bananas don’t appreciate cold temperatures, storing them in the fridge can significantly slow down the ripening process, leaving the bananas inside fresh and vibrant. This smart storage method not only helps reduce food waste but also saves money by extending the lifespan of bananas.
So, the next time you buy a bunch of bananas, remember this top tip and keep them in the fridge once they are ripe to enjoy fresh and delicious bananas for longer.