Do Bananas Last Longer in The Fridge

Do Bananas Last Longer in The Fridge

Bananas are one of the fruits that are very versatile because you can eat them raw, put them in smoothies, and bake them to perfection. However, you need to find the right method to store them to avoid over-ripening and utilize the bananas up to their fullest.

Bananas Should Be Kept In The Fridge (Advice From Banana Growers)

If you keep them in the fridge, they will last longer than if you leave them out at room temperature. This is why it’s important to know which method works best for you.

How To Stop Bananas from Turning Brown Too Quickly

To prevent bananas from going bad too fast, it is best to keep them in the fridge. This will slow down the process of oxidation and allow you to enjoy the fruit longer.

Do Bananas Last Longer in the Fridge?

There are debates on the internet about this but yes, bananas last longer when they are stored in the fridge. However, they are not as fresh when you get them out compared to when you put them in. If the shelf life of the bananas you bought from the supermarket is one (1) week, you can lengthen it by one more week when stored properly in the fridge. The skin of the bananas will turn brown but the flesh inside will still be edible and can be used for smoothies, milkshakes, and banana bread.

How Do You Keep Bananas Fresh Longer?
How Do You Keep Bananas Fresh Longer?

How Do You Keep Bananas Fresh Longer?

To make the bananas last for a longer time, experts have found a lot of ways to do it. First, you can hang them using those metal stands that let you stab the stem of the bananas. By doing so, you are removing the friction or force being received by the fruits themselves. You also need to hang the bananas away from other fruits so the latter will not ripen faster than regular. Second, bathe the bananas with vinegar to maintain their pristine physical features. Vinegar is known for its capabilities to make fruits and vegetables look fresh because of its acidic nature. Lastly, freeze the bananas. Instead of just putting them in the fridge and letting the skin brown, freeze them to preserve the color and freshness.

Where Is the Best Place to Store Bananas?

The best place to store your fresh bananas is the kitchen counter. This is a tropical fruit which means that the flavor and aroma will be at their peak when they are stored at room temperature. There are no prohibitions about putting them in the fridge or freezing them but when you know you can eat them in less than a week, just hang them and get one every time you want to satisfy your craving. This is especially true when you got the bananas green or they are just turning yellow. You want them to be ripe enough first and they will be doing so when they are inside a freezer.

Does Separating Bananas Slow the Ripening?

Bananas are known for releasing Ethylene gas, a natural chemical that lets fruits ripe faster. Separating the bananas alone will not slow down the ripening but covering their stems will help contain the said gas. You can do this when you want to put your bananas in a place together with other fruits.

Storage containers for bananas

There are many types of storage containers available but if you want to keep bananas fresh longer, then you should choose those that will prevent moisture from entering the fruit. This way, the banana won’t spoil too quickly.

Why Do Bananas Last Longer in The Fridge - What About Brown Bananas
Why Do Bananas Last Longer in The Fridge – What About Brown Bananas

Why Do Bananas Last Longer in The Fridge?

There are many reasons why bananas last longer in the refrigerator.

First, the ripening process will slow at a cooler temperature

Second, bananas contain natural sugars that give them a sweet taste. But in a fridge, the development of these sugars is inhibited.

Third, the gas that bananas give off and subsequently use to ripen – is not produced as much and bananas will stay firm for longer

What Happens If You Put Unripe Bananas In The Fridge?

Putting unripe bananas in the fridge will keep them unripe for several weeks. The outside skin will change color. But the inside will remain firm.

What Happens if You Put Overripened Bananas in The Fridge?

Overripe bananas will last longer in the refrigerator than outside, but because the sugaring process has started the middle sections may start to soften more and turn further brown.

If you want to keep them longer, freeze them.

What Color Should Unripe Banana Skins Be? - GREEN TO LIGHT YELLOW
What Color Should Unripe Banana Skins Be? – GREEN TO LIGHT YELLOW

What Color Should Unripe Banana Skins Be?

Green skin indicates that the fruit is unripe and not really ready to eat.

Yellow skin indicates that it needs eating soon.

Brown skin means that the fruit has started to go very ripe or even gone bad.

What Should Unripe Bananas Feel Like?

Unripe bananas should feel firm but not hard. They should be slightly greenish and have a sweet smell. If they are too ripe, they will be mushy and have a strong odor.

Can You Save Overripe Bananas?

Yes, you can save overripe bananas by freezing them. This will extend their life span and allow you to enjoy them later.

Can You Store Banana in Their Own Skin in The Fridge

Yes, you can keep bananas in their skin in the fridge. But it is important to note that they will start to ripen after 7 days. If you want to store them longer, then peel them first before putting them in the fridge.