You might think that a fruit bowl on your kitchen counter is the perfect spot for bananas, but you’d be wrong! While it seems logical, it’s actually the worst place to keep them fresh. The culprit? Ethylene gas, a natural plant growth hormone that causes fruits to ripen. The more fruit you pile together, the more ethylene gas is released, speeding up the ripening process for all the fruit. This is especially bad news for bananas, which are already known for their short shelf life due to their high ethylene production. The confined space of a fruit bowl becomes a ripening accelerator, causing bananas to spoil quickly.
But don’t fret! Richard Thomas, an expert from Fridge, has a game-changing tip: store your bananas in the refrigerator! Many people are surprised to learn that once bananas have ripened, the fridge can actually preserve their freshness. The cold temperatures slow down the production of ethylene gas, effectively putting the brakes on the ripening process. As Richard explains, “Storing bananas in the fridge can be a practical way to extend their shelf life, especially once they have reached the desired level of ripeness. The cooler temperatures in the fridge slow down the ripening process, which is caused by the emission of ethylene gas from the bananas. This means that you can enjoy your bananas for a longer period without them becoming overripe.”
However, there’s a catch. You need to wait until your bananas are fully yellow before putting them in the fridge. Storing them at cold temperatures while they’re still green will hinder their ripening process, resulting in a less flavorful banana. The cold will also cause the yellow peel to turn brown or black, as bananas are tropical fruits accustomed to warmer temperatures. Don’t worry though, the fruit itself will remain fresh and yellow inside! This is simply a visual change, and the banana’s internal quality is unaffected.
For optimal storage, place your bananas in the middle of your fridge, avoiding the crisper drawers. The humidity in those drawers can actually shorten the bananas’ shelf life. With a little planning, you can keep your bananas fresh for one to two weeks longer than you would in a fruit bowl. This means saving money on your grocery trips and enjoying delicious bananas for longer!
As Richard sums it up, “When refrigerated, bananas can last significantly longer than at room temperature. Typically, you can expect bananas to last anywhere from seven to 14 days in the fridge. The peels may darken, but the bananas inside will remain firmer and fresher for a longer period.” So next time you’re shopping, pick up a few extra bananas and put them in the fridge – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
