Brown bananas are a common problem for anyone who loves this fruit. While they may not taste bad, they definitely don’t look as appealing as the bright-yellow bananas we all love.

Not only do browning bananas decrease their aesthetic appeal, but they can also impact the texture and taste. Once bananas start to brown, they become soft and mushy, which can make them unappetizing. However, there is a simple hack to keep bananas from browning too quickly and help them stay fresh for longer.

Why do bananas turn brown?

Before we dive into the ultimate hack, let’s first understand why bananas turn brown. Bananas are a fruit that contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which reacts with oxygen in the air.

This reaction causes the fruit to oxidize and turn brown. The process is the same as what happens to apples when they turn brown.

Bananas that are ripe or overripe are more likely to turn brown, as they contain higher levels of sugar. The sugar reacts with the enzyme more quickly, causing the fruit to brown faster.

The ultimate hack to keep bananas from browning:

The ultimate hack to keep bananas from browning quickly is to wrap the stem of each banana in plastic wrap. This helps slow down the ripening process and minimizes the amount of oxygen the fruit is exposed to.

Simply take a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly around the stem of each banana. You can also wrap multiple bananas together in a bunch, just make sure to wrap each stem individually.

Be sure to wrap the plastic wrap as tightly as possible to prevent air from entering the stem.

Another tip is to buy bananas that are still slightly green. This will give you more time to eat them before they start to turn brown. If you prefer your bananas ripe, you can still use the plastic wrap method to extend their lifespan.

You can also peel and freeze ripe bananas to use in smoothies or baking later on.

Other tips to keep bananas fresh:

Aside from the plastic wrap method, there are other ways you can keep bananas fresh:

Store bananas away from other fruits, as some fruits release ethylene gas which can cause bananas to ripen and brown faster.
Store bananas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Don’t wash bananas until you’re ready to eat them, as moisture can speed up the ripening process.

Conclusion:

If you love bananas, you know how frustrating it can be to have them turn brown so quickly. Using the plastic wrap method is the ultimate hack to keep your bananas fresh for longer.

It’s an easy and inexpensive solution that can make a big difference in the lifespan of your fruit.