Bananas are a favourite healthy snack that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The last thing you want is them to go ‘bad’ and become inedible. Unfortunately this tends to happen to bananas that are left out at room temperature. You have most likely noticed the bananas in your fruit bowl turning dark brown to black after a short period of time, particularly in the summer. So, does putting bananas in the fridge make them last longer? Or should you keep them in a cupboard away from sunlight? Read on and find out how to maintain your bananas and other fruit for as long as possible.
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At What Temperature Do Bananas Ripen?
The temperature bananas will ripen is 65 Degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of around 93%. Ideally, you want to store the bananas at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bananas ripen at higher temperatures much quicker. If you leave the bananas out in the sun or near a window on a hot summer’s day you will notice them ripen in less time than in the fridge or cupboard.
How Do You Slow The Ripening Of Bananas?
Slowing the ripening of bananas can be done in several ways including popping them in the fridge as mentioned above. Other ways to slow the ripening of bananas includes;
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- Hang them separate from other fruit – Bananas don’t react well with other fruits particularly when they begin to ripen. The ethylene gas released by this process will have a negative effect on your bananas.
- Slow down the oxidation process by adding citrus – Lime or lemon juice added to peeled bananas is a way to maintain their freshness for a longer time. This is also true for apple slices.
- Bathe in vinegar – Keep your bananas from turning into that brown mushy way by simply adding vinegar. Don’t worry if you can still taste the vinegar when eating the bananas, just give them a good rinse with cold water before consuming.
- Pop them in the freezer – Frozen bananas can be kept fresh for at least 30 days if you put them in the freezer.
How Long Can I Keep Bananas In The Fridge?
How long you refrigerate bananas depends on how ripe they are. Unripe bananas can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days before they start turning black. It’s best to let them ripe first then pop them in the fridge. The bananas should be good to eat for up to 2 weeks following this process.
If you notice the banana peel is starting to go brown it’s best not to put it in the fridge. This will speed up the discolouring and the banana will turn into mush.
Why Bananas Shouldn’t Be Kept In Fridge
Bananas should not be kept in the fridge because they are not genetically modified to grow in cold temperatures. Grown in a tropical climate they are defenceless to the cold. The enzymes that help the banana ripen are no longer able to do so. Other harmful enzymes will flourish causing cell damage and the blackening of the skin.
Bananas shouldn’t be kept in the fridge before they start to ripe. Putting them in the fridge after they have ripened is completely fine though. This will make them last a lot longer and stay fresh.
How Do You Prolong The Shelf Life Of A Banana?
Prolonging the shelf life of bananas can be done by wrapping them in plastic film, hanging them, or freezing the bananas. Keeping your bananas nice and fresh for a long period of time can seem impossible. Turning black or going all mushy seems to be a common occurrence in most households. How do you think all the supermarkets prolong their bananas in stock? The shelf life of a banana can be stretched by using several methods.
Wrap in plastic cling film is one of the best ways to maintain your banana freshness. The wrap prevents the banana from giving off that harmful gas to the rest of the bananas in the bundle or with other fruit you may have in the same bowl.
Hang the bananas away from other fruits and allow the bundle to get some air flow. Just make sure to keep them out of the sunlight though.
Freezing the bananas is another sure way to maintain a bananas shelf life for a long time. You may be on holiday at a caravan for example, and want them to last. The trick is to let the bananas ripen first of all then put them into the caravan fridge freezer. When the time comes to eat them you simply remove them and let them thaw.
Does Putting Bananas In The Fridge Make Them Last Longer? Recap
Putting bananas in the fridge does make them last longer IF you let them ripen first. Don’t worry if you do put bananas in the fridge, it’s not like putting metal in the fridge or anything like that. Bananas are not found in cold climates so don’t respond well to these types of low temperatures. The enzymes that allow the ripening to take place are not able to do so. Other enzymes that cause the blackening and ‘going bad’ of the bananas will be sure to. So, if you want your bananas to last longer wrap them in cling film, keep them away from other fruits, and let the bananas ripen before you put them in the fridge.
FAQ’s
Check out common question and answers regarding putting bananas in the fridge to make them last longer below.
Can you put a peeled banana in the fridge?
Yes, you can put a peeled banana in the fridge and will make it stay fresh for longer. If a peeled banana is left out at room temperature you will be lucky if it lasts more than one day. Putting the banana in the fridge should keep it good for 3-4 days.
How do you slow down bananas from ripening?
The best way to slow the ripening of your bananas is to put them in some plastic cling film wrap. Harmful gas from the bananas will no longer escape and cause the rest of the bundle to start to go bad. Popping them in the fridge will also stop the ripening process as the enzymes will be unable to allow the ripening process to take place.
Will a banana rot faster in the refrigerator?
Yes, a banana will rot faster in the refrigerator if it was put in before it ripened. You must allow the ripening to take place first. Bananas in the fridge will remain fresh for much longer if you follow this process.
