How to Store Ripe Bananas for an Extended Period: A Simple Guide to Prevent Spoilage

Bananas are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but they can ripen quickly. If you’ve bought too many, don’t worry! There are several ways to store bananas to prolong their freshness.

1 Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals and are often bought in bulk due to their affordable price. However, it is not advisable to store them in the refrigerator, according to nutrition experts.

At temperatures between 4-8 degrees Celsius, refrigerating bananas can cause them to turn black, spoil, or affect their nutritional content.

How to Store Bananas in the Fridge

In certain situations, you can still store bananas in the fridge, but it must be done correctly:

Using Ziplock Bags

Step 1 Separate each banana, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a ziplock bag.

Step 2 Put the bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer and set the temperature to around 3 degrees Celsius. Consume the bananas within 3-4 days for best results.

Storing ripe bananas in the fridge using ziplock bags

Using Plastic Wrap

Similarly, separate the bananas and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in the crisper drawer of your fridge and set the temperature to around 3 degrees Celsius.

Using this method, you can store ripe bananas in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing ripe bananas in the fridge using plastic wrap

Storing Bananas in the Freezer

When storing bananas in the freezer, it is best to do so without the peel.

Here’s how to store bananas in the freezer:

Step 1 Peel and slice the bananas into manageable rounds.

Step 2 Line a baking tray with parchment paper, arrange the banana slices on it (keeping a little distance between each slice), and then cover with another layer of parchment paper.

Step 3 Place the tray in the freezer for about two hours, then transfer the frozen bananas into a container and return them to the freezer.

If you want to store bananas with their peel on, you can put them in a ziplock bag and freeze them. This method may cause the peel to turn slightly black, but the fruit inside will remain tasty.

Should Ripe Bananas Be Stored in the Freezer?

Storing ripe bananas in the freezer slows down the ripening process, allowing you to enjoy them for a more extended period. However, it is not recommended to do this regularly as the bananas will lose their sweetness and nutritional value over time.

2 Tips for Storing Ripe Bananas for a Longer Period

Keep Bananas at Room Temperature Until Ripe

Many people buy green bananas to ripen at home. It is important to keep them at room temperature and away from heat sources to prevent premature ripening. Storing them in the fridge will not only slow down the ripening process but also cause them to turn black due to the early breakdown of cells, which produces melanin.

Hang Bananas on a Hook

Hanging bananas on a hook in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources is a great way to prevent bruising. Wrapping the bunch in a bag can also help reduce oxygen absorption, extending their shelf life by up to a week.

Keep Bananas Separate from Other Fruits and Vegetables

Ripe fruits, including bananas, typically release ethylene gas. Therefore, it is best to store bananas separately. Avoid storing bananas in airtight bags, as this can cause them to turn black and spoil faster.

Refrigerate Bananas Once They Are Ripe

Once bananas are ripe, it is best to store them in the fridge. The cold temperature slows down chemical reactions, preserving the bananas for a more extended period. While the peel may turn black, the fruit inside will remain unaffected.

Rub Lemon Juice on Bananas

Another option is to peel and slice the bananas, then rub lemon juice on them. The acidic lemon juice helps preserve the bananas and maintains their yellow color. Avoid soaking the bananas in lemon juice, as this will make them too sour. If you don’t like the taste of lemon, you can use orange or apple juice, or even vitamin C tablets.

These are some useful tips for prolonging the freshness of ripe bananas. With these methods, you can enjoy bananas for a more extended period without worrying about spoilage. You can purchase bananas from our store or any reputable supermarket.