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Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits in the world, it is loved for their taste and the benefits it has to offer. However, many people do not know how you store bananas can affect their ripening and freshness. Proper storage can preserve their texture and taste so you can enjoy them at their best.
Whether you like your bananas firm or slightly ripe, knowing how to store them can make a huge difference. Bananas continue to ripen even after they are picked, which means improper storage can turn them into overripe or spoiled fruit. And common mistakes like storing them in plastic bags or direct sunlight can speed up spoilage.
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This guide will give you tips on how to store bananas correctly and common mistakes to avoid. With the right knowledge, you can extend the life of your bananas and enjoy them longer.
5 Tips To Store Bananas Properly
Store At Room Temp
Bananas should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Bananas love the warmth of sunlight, which helps them ripen. Do not put them in the fridge until they are fully ripe as cold will stop the ripening process and make them mushy. If you want to slow down the ripening process, you can store them in a cool area of your home but not in the fridge.
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Do Not Store With Other Fruits
Bananas release ethylene gas, which affects the ripping process of nearby fruits. To prevent this, store bananas separate from other fruits like apples or avocados. This will keep all the fruits in your kitchen fresh. If you need to ripen other fruits quickly, you can place them in a paper bag with the bananas for a short time, as the ethylene gas will help ripen them faster.
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Use A Banana Hanger
A banana hanger is a good investment for your bananas. This helps bananas from getting bruised by keeping them off hard surfaces. When bananas are in contact with surfaces, they can develop bruises, which can lead to faster spoilage. A banana hanger allows air to circulate around the fruit, which can also help maintain its texture.
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Wrap Stems With Plastic
To slow down the ripening process wrap the stems of the bananas with plastic wrap. This will minimise the release of ethylene gas and keep the bananas fresh for longer. You can use a simple piece of plastic wrap or even aluminium foil to cover the stems. This is useful if you buy a bunch of bananas and want to eat them over several days.
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Refrigerate Overripe
Once your bananas are ripe, you can put them in the fridge to extend their shelf life. The skin may turn brown or black, but the fruit inside will be firm and delicious. Refrigeration will slow down the ripening process so you can enjoy your bananas for longer. If the bananas are too ripe for your taste, you can use them in smoothies, baking or banana bread.
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Mistakes To Avoid When Storing Bananas
Storing Bananas In A Cluster
Leaving bananas attached in a bunch seems convenient, but it speeds up the ripening process. When kept together, they continue to emit ethylene gas which speeds up ripening. By separating the bananas and storing them individually, you can slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life.
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Direct Sunlight
Bananas ripen too fast when left in direct sunlight, which can make them overripe and mushy in no time. Direct light and heat speed up the ripening process. Store bananas in a cool shaded spot away from heat sources like stoves or windows.
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Near Humid Areas
Humidity is not suitable for bananas as it can make them deteriorate faster. Storing bananas near the sink where there is more moisture in the air can make the skin spotty and the fruit inside overripe, so store it in a dry area to keep them fresh longer.
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Bananas are easy to store, but small mistakes can affect their ripeness and texture. Avoid refrigerating unripe bananas or storing them with other fruits, and you will enjoy your bananas at their best. With the right techniques, your bananas will last longer and reduce waste and eating experience.
