When to Refrigerate Bananas?

Sunday June 26, 2022 at 10:07 am

If the reader too mostly keeps them on kitchen shelves, they may also wonder – can bananas be refrigerated? The simple answer is yes, but not always. And fortunately, it is not always to keep them refrigerated. This article explores the various aspects relating to the storage of bananas.

Bananas are one of the best food items out there. The health benefits of this fruit are numerous, and one can easily consume them raw as a snack or a milkshake, or in a smoothie. However, the best way to store them eludes most people despite their popularity. The following must be remembered when storing bananas.

  1. It is okay to let bananas sit on the kitchen counter until they get ripe.
  2. One should not put bananas in the refrigerator before they get ripe. That is because refrigeration may result in a change in their flavor.
  3. One should place the bananas the refrigeration after they are ripe if one wants to elongate their life. In that case, their life is extended by two days until their skin becomes black. The color of the peel doesn’t mean that the fruit will lose its taste.
  4. If the reader wants to store them for more extended periods, they should peel the ripe bananas and then store them in a freezer bag or freezer-friendly and airtight container. That can increase their life by nearly a month.
  5. Never buy bananas that One can put in cold storage in the grocery shop. These can get a bitter flavor or get discolored. They may even fail to ripe.
  6. One must discard bananas with excessive bruising on peels or those with broken peels.
  7. One should also discard an overly soft black banana.
  8. Avoid smelly or discarded bananas.
  9. One should never keep bananas next to other fruits, whether refrigerated.

As long as the reader follows the above tips, they can enjoy this nutritious food and its benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The refrigeration and storage of bananas are connected with several other frequently asked questions (FAQs). The following are some of the most important of these.

Question: What are some essential Dos and don’ts relating to bananas?

Answer: The following are some of the essential things that one should do:

  • One should always keep them cool and protected from the light. It is important to note that bananas are ripe at a higher temperature. Thus, they should never be placed in sunlight or outside during summer. The ideal temperature for storing them is below 12 degrees celsius if one wishes to slow the process of their ripening.
  • Bananas should always be kept in refrigeration when and only when ripe.
  • If a banana has been cut and has already been exposed to the air, it will quickly turn brown. One can sprinkle such a slice with some lemon juice or pineapple juice to make a delicious addition to a salad.
  • If the balance slices are also wrapped airtight and kept in a cool place, they will remain appetizing for longer.

The following are some of the essential don’ts in this regard:

  • Don’t ever wrap bananas completely in plastic as it will ruin the fruit.
  • Don’t store bananas next to other fruits as they may aid the ripening.
  • Please don’t put them under too much pressure.
  • Don’t ever buy refrigerated bananas or known to have been refrigerated in the past.

Question: What is the nutritional value of bananas?

Answer: The following are the various nutrients present in bananas (for nearly 126 grams of the fruit):

  • Calories: 112
  • Fats: 0 grams (none)
  • Proteins: only 1 gram (negligible)
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Vitamin C: 12% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Riboflavin: 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Folate: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Niacin: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Copper: 11% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Potassium: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Magnesium: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)

Bananas are a crucial source of these nutrients, particularly copper, Potassium, and magnesium. The carbohydrates present in them are good kinds that enter the blood as glucose easily and are perfect for eating a couple of hours before exercise.

Question: What are some of the essential health benefits of bananas?

Answer: Some of the essential health benefits of bananas include the following:

  • They are an essential source of nutrients like Vitamin C, Carbohydrates, Copper, etc.
  • They can aid in weight loss.
  • They are a good source of soluble carbohydrates. That means they can be a good food item to be taken a couple of hours before exercise to increase one’s energy.
  • That also means one can use them to increase the blood sugar level of patients quickly.
  • They can also be good for the digestive system.
  • Bananas are a rich source of Potassium, too, which is an excellent mineral, particularly for people with heart problems.
  • Bananas can also be great food for those looking to lose weight as they have soluble starch, which is filling, thus helping one consume fewer calories.
  • They are also good for kidneys.

Question: What are some of the precautions one should take while adding bananas to one’s diet?

Answer: While everyone can safely eat bananas, one must remember the following points in this regard:

  • It may be best if people with a heart condition, diabetes, or other health condition first consult their physician before adding them to their meals.
  • The above discussion is for general purpose and may not apply to the specific case of the reader.
  • The reader should carefully follow the above list of Dos and Don’ts.

If the reader has any other queries, they should ask them here.

The Bottom Line

One can quickly wrap up the above discussion by concluding that it is not always desirable while it is possible to store bananas in a refrigerator. Where it is desirable, one should take care to keep them separate from other fruits. These simple tips will elongate the life of bananas without spoiling their taste.

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