Bananas are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but they can be tricky to store. If you don’t store them properly, they can quickly turn brown and mushy. Professional chef Peter Sidwell has shared his secret to keeping bananas fresh for up to two weeks, and it’s a simple trick that anyone can follow.
According to Sidwell, the key to keeping bananas fresh is to store them properly. Bananas should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. They should also be kept away from other fruits, as bananas release a gas called ethylene that can cause other fruits to ripen and spoil more quickly.
If you want to keep bananas fresh for even longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that refrigerating bananas can cause their skin to turn brown. The taste of the bananas will not be affected, but the brown skin may be unappealing to some people.
If you’re only going to eat half of a banana, you can wrap the remaining fruit in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from turning brown. You can also sprinkle the remaining fruit with a small amount of lemon juice to help preserve its freshness.
If you’re not planning on eating your bananas for a while, you can freeze them. Bananas can be frozen for up to six months, but they will taste best after the first three months.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your bananas fresh for up to two weeks and enjoy them at their peak ripeness. Here are some additional tips for storing bananas:
* Store bananas in a single layer in a cool, dark place.
* Avoid storing bananas in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and cause them to ripen more quickly.
* If you’re storing bananas in the refrigerator, place them in a paper bag to prevent them from drying out.
* Bananas can be frozen whole, peeled, or sliced. If you’re freezing bananas whole, be sure to remove the peel first.
* Frozen bananas can be thawed in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once thawed, they can be enjoyed as is or used in smoothies, baked goods, or other recipes.
