How to Preserve Bananas: Keep Bananas from Ripening Too Fast
How many times have you bought a beautiful bunch of yellow bananas, only to have them turn into mushy, brown, spotted messes three days later? It’s one of the most frustrating, common, and wasteful kitchen scenarios. However, by understanding the science of how they ripen, you can keep them fresh for up to a week—or even a month—longer.
Following proper storage techniques will extend the life of your food. Learn how to preserve bananas the right way and you can enjoy them more often.
In This Article
Shelf Life of Bananas
Bananas are a delicious, nutritious, and convenient snack, but they have a notoriously short shelf life. Whether you’ve bought a bunch that ripened too quickly or simply want to keep your bananas fresh for longer, there are plenty of strategies to extend their shelf life.
In this post, we’ll cover different ways to preserve bananas so you can enjoy them longer, whether you want to store them for eating or for baking.
Why Bananas Turn Brown
Bananas emit ethylene gas from their stems, which triggers the ripening process (turning them from green to yellow to brown). When you buy them in a bunch, this gas builds up, causing them to ripen—and spoil—all at once. To extend their shelf life, you must slow down the ethylene release and keep them cool.
How to Preserve Bananas for Longer Use
The "Stem Wrapper" Method (Best Overall)
The most effective trick for keeping bananas fresh is to wrap the crown (the stem end) of the bunch with plastic wrap or tin foil. To do this, take a small piece of plastic wrap or foil and wrap it tightly around the stem end of the entire bunch.
For even better results, separate the bananas and wrap each individual stem. This prevents ethylene from traveling down the fruit and will preserve bananas an additional 3–5 extra days.
Hang Them Up (Best to Prevent Bruising)
Bruising speeds up the ripening process because the damage accelerates the release of ethylene gas. Use a dedicated banana hanger to preserve bananas. Or you can use a hook to hang the bunch in a cool, dry area. This allows for proper airflow and prevents them from bruising on a flat surface.
If you don’t have a hook, break the bunch apart. Separate the bananas into individual units and spread them out on the counter. They will ripen slower when they aren’t concentrating their ethylene gas together.
Use the Fridge (But Only When Ripe)
Many people think the fridge is bad for bananas, but it’s actually a great tool if used correctly.
Similar to storing tomatoes, the rule of thumb is to never put unripe green bananas in the fridge. Doing so stops them from ripening properly and turns them into a bitter, mushy mess.
Once your bananas have reached your desired ripeness (a bright yellow with a few spots), pop them in the fridge. The cold air slows the ripening process significantly. While the peel will turn almost completely black, the fruit inside will remain firm and fresh. You can effectively preserve bananas for another 5–7 days.
Keep Bananas Away from Other Fruit
Bananas are “ethylene producers.” If you store them next to foods that are sensitive to ethylene gas, such as cucumbers, apples, avocados, or tomatoes, they will speed up ripening and can make them spoil faster. Keep your banana holder in a separate area of the kitchen.
How to Preserve Bananas Long-Term (Freezing)
If your bananas are already overripe, do not throw them away! Freezing is the best way to preserve bananas for smoothies or baking.
Simply, peel the bananas first (do not freeze in the skin, as they become impossible to peel later). Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight bag.
Tip: Slice them before freezing so they are easier to blend directly into smoothies.
Freezing Bananas for Smoothies and Baking
Freezing is one of the best ways to preserve bananas, especially when they are starting to become overripe. Frozen bananas are great for smoothies, baking, or even snacking.
How to Freeze Bananas:
- Peel the bananas before freezing to make them easier to use later.
- Slice the bananas into coins or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Place the banana pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Freeze the bananas for a few hours until firm, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container for long-term storage.
Tip: If you plan on using frozen bananas in smoothies, slicing them beforehand will make blending easier.
How to Preserve Bananas with Citrus Juice
If you’re not ready to freeze your bananas but want to keep them from turning brown, you can use citrus juice, such as lemon or lime juice. The acidity in the juice slows down the oxidation process and keeps bananas looking fresh longer.
How to Use Citrus Juice: Slice your bananas and lightly coat them in lemon or lime juice. Once coated, place the bananas in an airtight container and refrigerate. This method works best for keeping sliced bananas fresh for a few extra days.
Conclusion
By using these simple tips for how to preserve bananas, you can enjoy them for a longer period of time and reduce food waste. Whether you’re freezing them for smoothies or simply keeping them fresh for snacking, these methods will help you make the most of your bananas.
The health benefits of eating bananas is impressive. They are packed with essential nutrients and may have a positive effect on weight loss, digestion, and heart health.