Bananas are often kept in a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, but this is the worst place to keep them fresh – according to a food expert as they’ve shared the best spot for them
Bananas, a common fruit bowl occupant on kitchen counters, are actually wilting away in the worst place possible for freshness. When piled together, fruits like bananas emit a natural growth hormone known as ethylene gas which speeds up ripening, leading to a quicker spoilage especially when confined in bowls.
Bananas, already notorious for their brief shelf life, churn out so much of this gas that a bowl fast-tracks their deterioration. In a surprising twist, fridge expert Richard Thomas advises that the fridge is in fact the top spot for bananas once they’re ripe.
The cool environment slows down ethylene production and extends the banana’s prime, Richard explains: “Storing bananas in the fridge can be a practical way to extend their shelf life, especially once they have reached the desired level of ripeness.”
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He continues: “The cooler temperatures in the fridge slow down the ripening process, which is caused by the emission of ethylene gas from the bananas. This means that you can enjoy your bananas for a longer period without them becoming overripe,” reports the Express.
If you’ve been chucking your bananas in the fridge as soon as you get home, you might want to think again. Experts say that you should wait until they’re fully yellow before popping them in the chilly confines of a refrigerator.
The reason for this is that cold temperatures seriously slow down the ripening process. Those green bananas just won’t mature and definitely won’t be as scrumptious if you don’t give them time to sweeten up naturally. Of course, there’s a catch with refrigeration – it can turn that vibrant yellow peel to a less-than-appealing brown or black. No worries though, because even if the skin takes a hit, what’s inside stays ripe and ready.
So yes, those bananas will last much longer in your fridge, especially if you keep them clear of the crisper drawers where extra humidity could put a dampener on their lifespan. Out in a fruit bowl, you’re looking at a snack that’s only good for a few days tops, whereas the fridge can extend their life by weeks, saving you some pennies on your next shopping trip.
Banana pro-tip from Richard: “When refrigerated, bananas can last significantly longer than at room temperature.” He reveals, “Typically, you can expect bananas to last anywhere from seven to 14 days in the fridge. The peels may darken, but the bananas inside will remain firmer and fresher for a longer period.
“When refrigerated, bananas can last significantly longer than at room temperature. Typically, you can expect bananas to last anywhere from seven to 14 days in the fridge. The peels may darken, but the bananas inside will remain firmer and fresher for a longer period.”
