How to Store Bananas So They Don't Turn Brown (2024)

Phoebe Fry

May 9, 2022 at 9:31 PM·3 min read

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How to Store Bananas

Depending on their ripeness when purchased, bananas will last on your countertop for anywhere from two to six days. If you always have bananas around, it's worth investing in a holder with a hook. Hanging the fruits eliminates the potential for bruising, which happens when bananas are lying on top of each other. You should also aim to keep the fruits away from direct sunlight, as the heat from the sun can cause them to ripen rapidly.

As with many fruits, refrigerating and freezing can extend the lives of bananas. However, if things get out of hand and you come home to a bunch of blackened bananas on your countertop, there's always one answer: banana bread.

How to Store Sliced Bananas

Sliced bananas discolor quickly, so it's best to avoid cutting into them until you're ready to eat. However, if you sprinkle them with a little lemon juice, it lowers the pH levels and will keep browning at bay. Following the lemon trick, put them in the fridge, either wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight food storage container or bag. Stored this way, sliced bananas can stay fresh for three to four days.

Can You Store Bananas in the Fridge?

Yes, you can absolutely store bananas in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the cool, dry climate slows the ripening process, which is why bananas aren't refrigerated in the supermarket. In other words, if you put green, unripe bananas in the fridge, they're likely to stay that way. Additionally, putting a banana in the fridge too soon can actually ruin the fruit and cause what the United States Department of Agriculture refers to as a "chilling injury," which stops the ripening process and causes bananas to taste bitter.

A good tip to keep in mind is to only place bananas in the refrigerator once they have reached your desired level of ripeness. Once the bananas are in the fridge, you have a few days to enjoy the fruit before it starts to brown.

Can You Freeze Bananas?

Yes, you can freeze bananas, and you should! Blitz frozen bananas in a blender and you'll get a sweet, creamy result—perfect for the base of a smoothie or to eat by itself as a sort of banana ice cream. Just make sure to wait until your bananas are perfectly ripe before freezing them, as the chill of the freezer will halt the bananas' ripening process. It's best to peel and slice the bananas before freezing them, so they're easy to work with when you're ready to use them.

To freeze bananas, lay the slices out on a parchment paper-lined tray or baking sheet, and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen (it won't take long), transfer them to a closed container or plastic bag. This step, while not entirely necessary, will keep the banana slices from sticking together and forming a mass. We suggest labeling the container with the date and the amount of bananas inside so that information is readily available when you're craving the fruit.

FAQs

How to Store Bananas So They Don't Turn Brown? ›

Open Air Is Better Than an Enclosed Container

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What's the best way to store bananas so they don't go bad? ›

The ideal place to store bananas is on a countertop, away from direct sunlight. They do well in cool, dry places and will continue to ripen when left at room temperature. What is the best way to keep bananas fresh longer? Once bananas are at their peak ripeness, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later.

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How do grocery stores keep bananas green? ›

Plastic wrap helps bananas last longer

The increased exposure to ethylene gas actually turns off genes within bananas that are responsible for growth. This causes them to continually ripen once they're picked and as long as they sit on the grocery store shelf or in your home.

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Do bananas last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›

Some folks scowl at the thought of putting bananas in the fridge. But if you have a banana that you want to keep perfectly ripe for a few more days, move it to the refrigerator. The cool temperatures help slow down the ripening process so the banana won't turn to mush for a bit longer.

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Does aluminum foil keep bananas fresh? ›

Cover the stem ends of each banana with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to reduce the release of ethylene gas. Bananas release high amounts of ethylene gas, which accelerates the proces of browning. Thus, to slow it down, separate the bananas from the bunch and then store them.

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How do you make bananas last the longest? ›

Store Bananas in a Cool and Dark Place

Any cooler, your bananas will stop ripening and the peel will turn black. Any warmer, your bananas will ripen rapidly—that's why a warm kitchen isn't the ideal place to store your bananas. Also, keep them away from direct sunlight.

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Does covering bananas slow ripening? ›

Bananas release ethylene, a gas which controls ripening. Most of the ethylene is released from the stems of the bananas, so if you want to slow down ripening, simply wrap the stems in foil or clingfilm. Problem solved!

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Where is the best place to store green bananas? ›

If they're still green, don't put them in the fridge. The dry, cool atmosphere slows down the ripening process, so green bananas likely won't progress beyond that. Room temperature would be the choice here, away from direct sunlight. Just remember, cool + dry = perfect.

How to keep sliced bananas from turning brown in a lunch box? ›

As with other fruits, putting acid on your banana slices can slow the oxidation process, explains Rushing. Spritz a light layer of lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, or vinegar atop the fruit.

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Does keeping bananas in a bag make them ripen faster? ›

In order to speed up the ripening process, all you need to do is trap the ethene gas in with the banana by putting them in a paper bag – fruit gives off moisture, so you must use a bag that won't trap moisture. Ripening in a bag usually takes a day or so, but can be as speedy as overnight – just keep checking.

How to store bananas to prevent fruit flies? ›

Store ripe fruit in the refrigerator. This not only extends their freshness but also keeps fruit flies at bay. Alternatively, you can also store bananas in a separate, sealable container to prevent the release of ethylene gas that ripens other fruits.

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