The Best Way To Keep Bananas From Turning Brown Too Fast
We love banana bread, but not all occasions call for an overly ripe banana. Sometimes you just want them to stay perfectly ripe an extra few days. A perfect banana is ideal for topping oatmeal, pairing with peanut butter for a quick snack, or eating on its own. As bananas ripen, they release ethylene gas, which makes them turn brown. But there are some ways that might potentially slow down the browning of bananas. Here are the best ones:
Remove From the Plastic Bag
Bunches of bananas are often sold in plastic bags, but you'll want to make sure to remove them when you get home. They will ripen faster if left in a bag.
Store On a Banana Hanger
Storing a bunch of bananas on a specific hanger will keep them from getting bruised, which might quicken browning.
Wrap Plastic Around The Crown
Ethylene gas is released from the stems of bananas, which is where the bunch is held together. Wrap some plastic wrap around the crown to slow the ripening process.
Avoid Sunlight And Heat
Sunlight and warm temperatures will cause bananas to ripen faster. Keep bananas in a cool, dark place.
Keep Away From Other Produce
Bananas aren't the only fruits that release a lot of ethylene as they ripen. Apples, pears, potatoes, avocados, and tomatoes are some of the other types of produce that release a lot of ethylene gas. You'll want to keep bananas away from them.
Once They've Ripened, Store In The Fridge
You don't want to put them in the fridge until they've fully ripened, according to Chiquita. But once ripe, you can put bananas in the fridge to extend their life for one to two weeks.
And if all else fails and you're left with overripe, brown bananas, check out our many recipes for ripe bananas, ranging from banana oatmeal cookies to hummingbird cake.
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