5 ways to make your bananas last longer

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File photo [Image credit: The Economic Times]
File photo [Image credit: The Economic Times]

New Delhi : Is there anything better than a fresh banana? But it’s hard to to keep bananas fresh, especially if you’ve bought a bunch. Here are the most effective ways you can keep your bananas from browning too quickly. 

1. Hang your bananas

Bananas start ripening as soon as they’re picked from trees—ethylene gas releases from the stems as soon as they’re picked, but when you hang bananas from a hook, the gas works more slowly. Hanging bananas also prevents them from bruising on the counter, which they’re more prone to do as they continue ripening.

2. Buy green bananas

The easiest way to keep your bananas’ fresh is to buy the greenest bananas you can find. They’re picked while still green, then slowly ripen over time to reach that bright yellow we love. Instead of grabbing perfectly ripened bananas you’re eyeing for banana muffins, grab a green.

3. Wrap banana stems in plastic wrap

The ethylene gas that makes bananas ripen, comes from the stems, which means you can wrap those stems—with plastic wrap or aluminum foil—to slow down the ripening process.

4. Place ripe bananas in the fridge

You should keep green bananas far away from the fridge, but once your bananas have completely ripened, you can move them to the fridge where the cool temperatures will keep them from ripening further.

5. Freeze your bananas

Freezing bananas is one of the easiest ways to keep them preserved for future use. Freezing the entire bunch will darken the peels, and they’ll defrost poorly. Instead, consider freezing peeled, individual bananas or banana slices in resealable airtight bags.