Today I want to share some incredible tips for preserving bananas for twice as long! If you’ve ever been frustrated by buying a beautiful bunch and, in a few days, finding them all dark and soft, I’ll help you avoid this waste.
Almost everyone loves bananas, right? Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack or blended in the blender for a delicious smoothie, they’re always a great option. But there’s a problem: because they’re tropical and very sensitive to heat, they ripen too quickly. And who’s never lost a few bananas because they turned dark before their time? It’s a pain in the heart (and in the wallet!).
But stop worrying because I’ve brought you some solutions to save money and keep your bananas fresh for much longer! Here’s how to do it!
Why do bananas go bad so quickly?
Have you ever thought about why bananas ripen so quickly? Well, The culprit is a gas called ethylene, which they produce themselves. When they are all clumped together in a bunch, the gas concentrates and speeds up ripening. The result? Dark, soft bananas in just a few days. But relax, because you can get around this effect with a few simple tips!
3 tricks to preserve bananas for twice as long
Learn 3 incredible tricks to prolong the life of these beloved fruits, see below:
1. Separate the bananas from the bunch
A simple and effective trick is to separate the bananas one by one, with the help of a knife. This reduces the concentration of ethylene around the fruit and makes each one ripen at its own pace. And even if the skin darkens a little, the pulp stays good and sweet for much longer!
2. Aluminum foil on top of the bunch
You know that piece of aluminum foil that you always have left over in the kitchen? It’s perfect for this tip! Wrap the top of the bunch with the foil and that’s it! This blocks the release of ethylene and keeps the bananas fresh for longer. If you prefer, you can also use plastic wrap. The effect is almost the same!
What ANVISA says about the use of aluminum foil to preserve food
Many people wonder if it’s safe to use aluminum foil to preserve fruit, right? The good news is that, according to ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), the use of aluminum foil is safe for fresh food, as long as it’s used correctly. It doesn’t release harmful substances and helps maintain the quality of the fruit.
And did you know that the technique of wrapping the top of the bunch with aluminum foil really works? That’s right! Food Republic, a website full of culinary tips, assures that covering the top of the bunch with aluminum foil helps to retain ethylene and, therefore, slows down the browning. Brilliant, right?
3. Keep them in a cool place
Don’t leave bananas in the sun or near the stove! Heat only makes the situation worse and speeds up the ripening. The ideal is to keep them in a cool and airy place, away from direct light. Oh, and avoid putting them in the refrigerator if they are still green, because the cold darkens the skin and makes the fruit a little strange.
Enjoy ripe bananas!
And when bananas are really ripe? Don’t throw them away! They are perfect for recipes like cakes, breads, smoothies and even homemade ice cream. The flavor is incredible and you avoid wasting them. How about trying it? Below we have a recipe for you.
Delicious recipe: ripe banana cake
If your bananas are already overripe and really ripe, don’t waste them! How about turning it into a delicious cake? Take note:
Ingredients:
- 4 very ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1 and 1/2 cups of wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 pinch of cinnamon (optional)
How to prepare:
– Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a pan with oil and flour.
– Step 2: In a blender, beat the bananas, eggs, sugar and oil until you get a homogeneous mixture.
– Step 3: Transfer to a bowl and add the sifted flour and baking powder, mixing gently.
– Step 4: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown.
– Step 5: Remove from the oven, let it cool a little and enjoy!
This cake is fluffy and has an incredible banana flavor! It’s a great way to avoid waste and still have a delicious snack.
No one likes to waste food, and bananas are champions at spoiling quickly. But now you know how to preserve your bananas for longer with simple and safe tricks! It’s worth putting these tips into practice and ensuring that your bananas stay tasty and fresh for longer. Try it out and let me know!
