Bananas are a popular and healthy delicacy, but their tendency to ripen quickly can be frustrating and lead to unnecessary food waste.
Fortunately, there is a simple way to increase their freshness that only takes a few minutes.
By separating the bananas one by one and covering their stems with plastic wrap, you can significantly extend their shelf life while maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
By stopping the ripening process at its source, the stem, bananas retain their freshness for a long time, allowing you to enjoy them at peak ripeness.
To do this, carefully separate each banana from the bunch so as not to damage them, as the separation promotes air circulation and prevents individual bananas from accelerating the ripening of others.
To effectively seal in freshness, wrap the stem end of each banana with a small piece of plastic wrap.
A tight fit is crucial to form a barrier that traps ethylene gas, the substance responsible for ripening.
After wrapping, place the bananas in a fruit bowl or counter out of direct sunlight.
Alternatively, you can hang them on a banana hanger or hook. This higher storage promotes optimal air circulation around each fruit.
By using this method, you can naturally extend the freshness of bananas and enjoy them for several more days.
Wrapping banana stems keeps them fresh four to five days longer than normal.
However, after cooking, put them in the fridge to reduce food waste and save a little money on your grocery shopping this summer.
Bananas are usually stored in the refrigerator once they are fully ripe and turn yellow, as the cool and dry climate prevents them from fully ripening, meaning green bananas stay green.
