Isn’t it a delight to have a bunch of perfectly ripe bananas on hand, ready to snack on or bake? But all too often, they seem to go from green to overripe in the blink of an eye. However, there’s a simple trick to keep your bananas fresher for longer, and it involves something as simple as a common kitchen item: cling film.
Why do bananas ripen so quickly?
Bananas release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that aids in ripening. When bananas are grouped together, the ethylene gas concentrates around them, speeding up the ripening process. This is ideal if you want to eat them soon, but not so much if you hope to enjoy them gradually.
The easiest trick: cling film
Here’s a simple trick to prolong the freshness of your bananas: wrap the stems in plastic wrap. That’s it! Here’s how:
- Separate your bananas : First, separate each banana from the bunch. This step is crucial because it minimizes the amount of ethylene gas each banana is exposed to from its neighbors.
- Wrap the stems : Take a small piece of plastic wrap and tightly cover the stems of each banana. The stem is where most of the ethylene gas is released, so by wrapping it, you’re essentially trapping the gas and slowing down the ripening process.
- Store properly : Store your wrapped bananas at room temperature on a banana hanger or in a bowl. Avoid storing bananas in the refrigerator unless they are already at your preferred ripeness, as cold temperatures can cause the skin to darken prematurely.
Additional Tips for Storing Bananas
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