How to slow down ripening of bananas in hot weather?

Question

Learn how to slow banana ripening, especially in hot weather. Get simple tips, from separating them to wrapping the stems, to make them last longer.

Answer 1

To slow down banana ripening in hot weather, separate them, wrap the stems, and store them in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.

Detailed Explanation:

Bananas ripen quickly, especially in hot weather, due to the production of ethylene gas. Here's a step-by-step guide to slow down the process:

1. Separate the Bananas: Ethylene gas is released from the stems. Separating the bananas reduces the concentration of the gas around each fruit, slowing down the ripening process.

2. Wrap the Stems: Wrap the stems tightly with plastic wrap. This further restricts the release of ethylene gas. You can use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or even reusable beeswax wraps.

3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the bananas away from direct sunlight and heat. A pantry or a cool corner of your kitchen is ideal. Warmer temperatures accelerate ripening.

4. Refrigerate (Optional): While the peel will turn brown in the refrigerator, the flesh will ripen much slower. Place the wrapped bananas in the refrigerator. Be aware that refrigeration can affect the texture slightly.

Pro Tip:

Don't store bananas near other fruits that produce ethylene gas, such as apples, avocados, and tomatoes, as this will speed up the ripening process of both the bananas and the other fruits.