Bananas sure are sneaky when it comes to ripening. One day, you’re waiting for a bunch of green bananas to ripen. And the next? The whole lot has gone spotty brown. If your bananas tend to over-ripen before you and your family get a chance to eat them, there are some tricks to help slow down the inevitable process.
Learning to keep bananas from ripening too quickly can help cut down on waste and earn you savings in your weekly grocery budget. While it’s impossible to keep them edible forever, there are a few ways you can try to keep your bananas fresh for longer. (Take note, though: there’s plenty you can do with overripe bananas, so the ones you can’t save don’t necessarily have to go in the compost.)
Here’s a collection of clever methods to help you keep those bananas at their prime.
Separate the Bananas
It might seem simple, but separating bananas can actually make a big difference in how long they last. This will keep one rotting fruit from causing the others to prematurely ripen.
Hang Them Up
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“Using a banana hook not only looks nice and tidy, but prevents bruising from the bananas leaning against the countertop,” says Thomas Chepyegon, a professional home organizer.
Store in the Right Spot
Keep bananas in a well-ventilated area to keep them from ripening too quickly. Of where to set your banana hook, Chepyegon warns to keep away from direct sunlight and too much heat. (Remember not to place it too close to the stove or oven.)
Use the Fridge—But Only When Necessary
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When your bananas are at the perfect stage of ripening, you can go ahead and pop them in the fridge if you wish. This will keep them at the ideal ripeness for a couple of days. If you need longer, consider freezing your bananas.
Cover the Stems with Plastic Wrap
This trusted trick really is effective! Trapping and sealing the stems in plastic wrap can slow down the ripening process and stretch out the life of your bananas for a few extra days.
Stagger Your Bananas
To prevent an entire bunch of bananas from browning at once, buy bananas that are at different stages of ripeness at the grocery store or farmers market. “You don’t have buy one whole bunch in the grocery store,” says Chepyegon. “You can pick and choose.”
If you don’t have a bunch of bananas to hang from a hook, Chepyegon suggests storing them in a bowl on your counter to keep things tidy. Consider one that allows for air circulation around your fruit will help keep them fresher, such as one made from wire.
