I Tried 7 Ways of Storing Bananas and the Surprising Winner Outlasted Them All
Room Temperature
Leaving bananas on the counter is the most common method, but they ripened and browned quickly in just a few days.
Refrigeration
Storing ripe bananas in the fridge slowed the browning of the flesh, though the peel turned black. Still, they stayed edible longer.
Wrapping Stems
Wrapping the stems with plastic wrap was surprisingly effective in slowing down ripening by reducing ethylene gas release.
Separating the Bunch
Separating bananas and storing them individually slightly delayed ripening compared to leaving them in a bunch.
Freezing
Peeling and freezing bananas worked well for long-term storage, perfect for smoothies or baking, though not for eating fresh.
Paper Bag Method
Storing bananas in a paper bag with apples accelerated ripening, great for when you need bananas to ripen quickly.
Hanging on a Banana Hook
The clear winner! Hanging bananas reduced bruising and allowed airflow around them, keeping them fresh and yellow longer than other methods.