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 some tips to keep your bananas from turning brown before eating.
Take Out of the Plastic Bag
Clusters of bananas are frequently packaged in plastic bags; however, once you arrive at your destination, ensure they're taken out. Keeping them inside the bag can accelerate their ripening process.
Store on a banana hanger
Placing multiple bananas on a designated hanger can prevent them from becoming damaged, potentially slowing down the ripening process.
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 are not the sole fruits that emit significant amounts of ethylene during the ripening process. Apples , pears, potatoes, avocados Additionally, tomatoes are among the various produces that emit substantial amounts of ethylene gas. It’s best to store bananas separately from these items.
After They Have Ripe, Keep Them in the Refrigerator
According to the instructions, you shouldn't place them in the refrigerator until they have completely ripened. Chiquita However, after they ripen, you can store bananas in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness for about one to two weeks.
And if everything else fails and you end up with very ripe, brown bananas, take a look at our various options. recipes for ripe bananas , ranging from banana oatmeal cookies to hummingbird cake .