Are you tired of buying bananas and having them go bad in just a couple of days? If you're throwing away more bananas then you get to eat, I have some tips to help you learn how to keep them fresh for weeks!
Organic Bananas are Worth It
One of the ways that I am able to keep my bananas fresh longer is that I choose to buy organic bananas. Organic bananas are not sprayed with a growth ripening hormone called ethylene. This causes bananas to ripen so they are the perfect yellow color when they arrive at the store. Unfortunately, that also means within just a day or two they will turn brown and black.
Organic bananas last longer since they do not have this sprayed on them. They will ripen naturally and at a slower pace. For this reason I think it's worth it to spend a few extra cents on the organic bananas that will last longer.
Organic bananas also have a wrap at the top and you should leave that on the top of them when you bring it home. This also helps them to stay fresh longer.
No Mixed Fruit Bowls
If you've read about my methods for storing other produce items, you'll know that most produce items need to be stored on their own. This also is true for bananas. While there are rare exceptions like lemons and avocados, when produce items are on their own, they will stay fresh longer.
Bananas should be kept away from other produce items, especially apples and oranges. They will do best if they are on a banana hook in their own area of the kitchen or pantry.
Banana in a Jar Trick
If you have littles ones who only like to eat half a banana a time, this is a trick for you! If you put a banana in a glass jar with a metal lid, it will stay fresh in the fridge! I've tested this out a few different ways, as you can see above.
I used a wide mouth pint jar. The best results are when you leave the peel on the banana and place the entire half of the banana in the jar, in the fridge. Since I am diabetic, I can't always eat an entire banana so I do this for myself too. It's another way to reduce waste and save money on groceries.
How to Freeze Bananas
One thing I like to do with my bananas is to use them in smoothies. In order to prepare them for smoothies, I freeze them in slices. Lay out the slices on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer for a few hours. By putting them in a single layer on the cookie sheet, they wonāt clump together when you store them.Ā
Once they are frozen, I put them in a Stasher bag or you can use a ziplock. Having them in slices makes them easier to add too smoothies. They also make a great snack from the freezer too!
Banana Video
Check out the video below to hear my banana tips! If you aren't already subscribed to my YouTube Channel, I have hundreds of helpful videos for you to enjoy!
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