It’s a common question among banana lovers: can you store bananas in the fridge? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Bananas can be stored in the fridge, but they will turn brown much faster than if they were stored at room temperature.
What Causes Bananas to Turn Brown?
Bananas turn brown when the starches in the fruit convert to sugar. This process is accelerated by cold temperatures, so storing bananas in the fridge will cause them to turn brown faster than if they were stored at room temperature.
How to Store Bananas in the Fridge
If you want to store bananas in the fridge, there are a few things you should do to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. First, make sure the bananas are ripe but not overripe. Overripe bananas will turn brown faster than ripe bananas.
Second, wrap the bananas in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This will help keep the cold air from reaching the fruit and will slow down the browning process.
Third, store the bananas in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the bottom shelf or the back. This will help keep the bananas as cold as possible and will slow down the browning process even more.
How Long Can Bananas Be Stored in the Fridge?
Bananas stored in the fridge will stay fresh for up to a week. After that, the bananas will start to turn brown and become overripe. If you want to keep the bananas fresh for longer, you can freeze them.
Can You Freeze Bananas?
Yes, you can freeze bananas. To freeze bananas, peel them and cut them into slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about two hours. Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Can You Eat Bananas That Have Turned Brown?
Yes, you can eat bananas that have turned brown. The brown spots may not look very appetizing, but the banana will still be safe to eat. The brown spots are caused by the starches in the banana converting to sugar, so the banana will be sweeter than a ripe banana.
Conclusion
Bananas can be stored in the fridge, but they will turn brown much faster than if they were stored at room temperature. To keep bananas fresh for as long as possible, make sure they are ripe but not overripe, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and store them in the coldest part of the fridge. If you want to keep the bananas fresh for longer, you can freeze them. And even if the bananas have turned brown, they are still safe to eat.