Bananas stay yellow and fresh for 26 days if stored with 1 kitchen item
The simple method will prevent bananas from going brown quickly.
The thought of a bunch of bananas staying fresh for nearly four weeks almost sounds impossible. There is, however, a simple hack that can stop the fruit from going brown and keep them reasonable to eat for as long as 26 days.
Bananas typically spoil faster than other fruits because they release a large amount of ethylene gas. When exposed to light and heat, the production of this gas increases, causing them to ripen even more quickly. Similarly, if bananas are left near other fruits and vegetables, they can ripen faster because those also release ethylene gas. Fortunately, the use of a single common kitchen item can resolve that issue.
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The Garden Hotel shared the hack revealed by a food educator online. Leaving the peel on, she sliced the banana into equal parts and placed them in a glass jar, which was then put in the fridge.
After 26 days, the skin of the bananas was bright yellow, with no spots, and the texture inside was nice and bouncy. You might wonder how this works. What the sealed jar does is limit the amount of moving air, which slows down the loss of moisture and oxygen that come into contact with the fruit.
Additionally, the peel stays intact, and so enzymes meet less air at the cut edges. The cold temperature from the fridge also reduces the speed of enzymes. All those features together will help keep the bananas firm and yellow, all while the flavour stays good.
Temperature is extremely key when storing fruit.
The Garden Hotel explained: "When using a fridge, avoid the coldest back corners. Middle shelves often keep a stable climate. A small rack under the jar allows airflow to circulate. Peels may spot more in very cold zones, yet the flesh stays fine."
But it also depends on your preference, as some people may like a softer texture whilst others may prefer a "denser, slightly chilled bite".
Fruits should also be kept away from radiators and ovens as their surfaces remain warm despite cool room air. Another thing to keep note of is that for those who use fruit bowls, they tend to trap ethylene, so a stand or hook may be a better alternative, as they provide breathing space.
