How to store bananas at home so that they do not turn black

Bananas are one of the most popular and healthy fruits, but in order for them to retain their flavor and nutritional qualities longer, you need to store them properly. They are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C and B6, which are essential for good health.

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Optimal temperature for storing bananas

The ideal storage temperature for bananas is +12…+14 degrees. If it is colder, the fruit will stop ripening and the peel will turn black. If it is warmer, they will ripen faster – that’s why a warm kitchen is not the best place to store the fruit. A dark room with no direct sunlight is ideal.

How to avoid overripe bananas?

To avoid overripening bananas, you should isolate them from other fruits, as many of them release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. This applies to apples, pears and avocados.

Bananas need good air circulation, so you should take them out of the bag after the store. They should not be stored in closed containers either.

To slow down ripening will help a simple trick – separate the bananas from the bunch and wrap the stems with food film or foil. The fact is that the fruits also release ethylene, and this simple action helps to reduce the release of gas.

Ways to store bananas

If you bought bananas green, then you can store them at room temperature. This way they will ripen faster.

If you have already ripe bananas, it is better to put them in a dark and cool pantry to slow down further ripening. To increase the shelf life of the fruit, you can stow the fruit in the refrigerator. It doesn’t matter if the peel gets dark spots because of the cold – it won’t spoil the flavor.

If you put an already darkened banana in the refrigerator, it will turn to mush faster.

What bananas are healthier: green or overripe?

candidate of medical sciences, doctor-gastroenterologist of the network of clinics of expert oncology “Euroonko”

“In Russia, as you know, bananas do not grow in natural conditions: this berry (which is mistakenly attributed to fruit) is imported to us from hot countries – such as Ecuador. They have not only an original flavor, but also a number of useful properties.”

Bananas contain fiber, which improves intestinal function, a whole complex of vitamins, as well as potassium, which is necessary for the body to maintain water-salt balance and positively affect the cardiovascular system.

It should be understood that bananas are a perishable product. They are brought to Russia green, and before going on sale they ripen in special chambers. However, it happens that there are still green bananas on the counter, and the question arises: can they be eaten?

Such fruits can be eaten by people with diabetes, because green bananas contain resistant starch, which is slowly digested and does not cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. They are less calorie-dense and induce a feeling of satiety, so they can be eaten by people watching their weight.

In addition, green bananas are useful for people who have gastrointestinal problems. They help with diarrhea, as they contain pectin and other fibers that help normalize stools.

However, there are also those categories of consumers who can not eat green bananas. They include people with allergies: such fruits can contain substances that cause undesirable reactions. Patients with diseases of the pancreas, they are also contraindicated, as they can cause bloating and provoke stool retention.

As for overripe fruits, they are useful for digestion due to their high fiber content, as well as for the immune system, since they contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Due to their high content of natural sugars, these bananas provide a quick burst of energy, which is useful before physical activity.

Meanwhile, they are bad for people with diabetes: due to their high sugar content, which can cause blood glucose levels to spike. Overripe bananas are also not recommended for people prone to obesity, because the same sugar and high calorie content can contribute to weight gain.

How to realize that bananas are spoiled?

In order to determine whether the banana has spoiled, you need to pay attention to its appearance and odor.

Signs of banana spoilage:

The appearance of numerous dark spots;
softness and slippery surface;
presence of mold on the peel or pulp;
an odor of fermentation or rotting.

Bananas can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to three to four days.

How can I extend the shelf life?

Bananas can be frozen to keep them fresh even longer. In this case, it is better to use only ripe fruit.

Peel the bananas (otherwise the peel will be soft when the bananas defrost), then mashed potato or slice them.
Freeze the slices on a tray so they don’t stick together. Banana puree is best frozen in ice cube molds.
Transfer the frozen slices or cubes to a bag and store in the freezer.

These bananas can be stored for up to 1.5 months. They are ideal for making smoothies.