How to keep bananas from turning brown
Make bananas last longer with this hack.
Problem Solved, USA TODAY
Did you know that bananas are the most popular fresh fruit in the United States? That’s according to the USDA. Their affordability, versatility and all-around deliciousness have made them a household staple for years, so it’s no surprise that the average American consumes 13.2 pounds of bananas every year. However, managing their ripeness can be a frustrating endeavor.
Luckily, there are a bunch of tricks to help you make the most of your banana stash. From genius hacks to keep your bananas ripe and fresh for longer to innovative uses in the kitchen, let this be your guide to banana mastery. Whether you’re a long-time banana enthusiast or just dipping your toe into the world of this fruit’s culinary possibilities, there’s a hack in here for everyone!
Watch this video to learn how to keep bananas fresh so they last longer and ways to use them.
How to keep bananas fresh
Two of the easiest ways to keep your bananas fresh is to:
- Wrap the stems with plastic wrap. This method slows down the release of ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening fruits.
- Dip them in lemon juice or orange juice will prevent sliced bananas from browning. The citric acid in the juice helps to slow down the oxidation process, keeping the bananas looking fresh for longer.
What if your banana isn’t ripe enough? There’s a hack for ripening it, too! Preheat your oven to 300°F. With the peel still on, place the banana directly onto the oven’s baking rack. Check on the banana after 5 minutes. If it hasn’t ripened enough, wait 5 more minutes or until the peel is dark brown. Let the banana cool for a few minutes before using it. The oven will help caramelize the sugars in the banana, making it sweeter and more flavorful.
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Ways to use bananas
There’s no wrong way to peel a banana. You can peel it from the top and bottom or even give the banana a light tug in the center to break it into two clean, even halves. This flexibility in peeling makes bananas convenient and easy to enjoy.
Bananas can be a useful and tasty substitute for eggs in some recipes like brownies, cookies, muffins and cupcakes. Substitute one banana for one egg to add moisture and binding properties to your baked goods.
If your bananas are getting too ripe, don’t throw them away! Peel them, cut them into chunks and store them in a freezer bag or container. Frozen bananas are great for making creamy and delicious banana ice cream or adding to smoothies. Defrosted, overripe bananas are also perfect for making delicious banana bread.
