Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:06 pm
In this article, we will answer the question “How long do bananas last in the refrigerator?”, and how to store bananas?
How long do bananas last in the refrigerator?
Ripe bananas last 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Cut bananas are more exposed to air and moisture, so they last 2-3 days in the refrigerator only.
Dried bananas can be stored for 2-4 months in the refrigerator if stored properly. However, it is recommended to use them within 2 months of the printing date for best quality.
Shelf life of bananas
The following table shows the estimated shelf life of bananas.
How to store dried bananas?
The general rule is to keep dried bananas in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight or the stove. The pantry or a kitchen cabinet with a cool, stable temperature are good storage options.
But if the climate is hot and humid, opt for refrigeration. It is recommended not to open the original packaging of dried bananas until you are ready to use them.
If the original package is torn, it is best to transfer the dried bananas to an airtight container and refrigerate them. This way, the dried bananas will not absorb moisture from the humid environment of the refrigerator.
How to store bananas
Preserve to mature
?? Choose bananas according to your needs
Buy unripe green bananas if you want them to last longer without freezing.
If the bananas are to be eaten right away, choose ripe bananas, which can be yellow, brown or red, depending on their variety.
Ripe bananas are sweeter and have frequent brown or black spots. Reject any bananas with too many black spots or gray hues.
Remove bananas from plastic bags
Plastic bags will hold excess moisture and trap ethylene, which will accelerate ripening and cause rotting in no time.
However, if the storage temperature and humidity are too high, storing bananas in a plastic bag would be a better choice.
Store green bananas at room temperature
Allow green bananas to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Place them in a paper bag with a ripening banana, apple or tomato to speed up ripening.
Store yellow-green bananas at room temperature
Do not expose yellow-green bananas to direct sunlight. Let them ripen at their own pace at room temperature.
Hang bananas on a banana tree
Freestanding banana trees or mountable banana hangers keep bananas from bruising by promoting even air circulation.
Store ripe bananas at room temperature
This is only applicable if you intend to eat the ripe bananas within 1-2 days.
Refrigerate sliced bananas
Apply lemon juice, pineapple juice or vinegar to the exposed flesh of the sliced lemon before refrigerating.
Storing ripe bananas
Remove bananas from the diet
Ripe bananas should be stored off the diet if they are to be kept longer.
Store ripe bananas with unripe fruit
Unripe bananas stored near ripe bananas will ripen faster but will delay the ripening of the bananas.
Wrap banana stems in plastic
Once the ripe bananas are off the diet, wrap their stems with plastic and tape them down for safety. This will prevent the ethylene gas from spreading to other parts of the ripe bananas.
Refrigerate ripe bananas in the produce drawer
This will slow down the ripening of the flesh of the fruit while the skin darkens.
Peel bananas before freezing
Mix peeled bananas in an airtight container or freezer bag for freezing. Use thawed bananas in baking, mixing fruit sauces and smoothies. Divide into portions.
Toss peeled and sliced bananas in lemon juice before freezing. Label them too.
Turn overripe bananas into banana bread
The riper the bananas, the better they are for making Banana Bread. Overripe bananas add a natural sweetness and more flavor to banana bread than their ripe or unripe counterparts.
How do you know if the bananas are bad?
If the bananas are too mushy and release liquid, they are done. If moisture gets into dried bananas, you may notice mold growth. Dispose of moldy bananas in the trash. If there is no mold, but the quality is poor, get rid of it.
Conclusion
In this article, we have answered the question “How long do bananas last in the refrigerator?”, and how to store bananas?