How to Keep Ripe Bananas Fresh for Longer

To keep bananas from spoiling too quickly after they ripen, try the simple methods below.

Bananas are a nutritious, affordable, and easy-to-eat fruit enjoyed by people of all ages. They are especially beneficial for digestion, helping promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation thanks to their fiber content and natural enzymes.

Despite their many benefits, bananas can be tricky to store. Once ripe, they tend to spoil very quickly. Refrigeration may seem like a solution, but placing whole ripe bananas in the fridge often causes the peel to turn dark, the flesh to soften, and the overall texture and flavor to decline.

Fortunately, with a few practical tips, you can significantly extend the freshness of bananas and reduce food waste.

Hang Bananas in a Well-Ventilated Area

Start by washing the bananas thoroughly in water mixed with salt and baking soda at a 1:1 ratio. Gently rub the peels with your hands to remove dirt, residue, and impurities.

Rinse the bananas again under clean running water, then dry them completely with a clean towel. Place the bananas in a cool, well-ventilated area until they are fully dry.

Next, wrap the stems tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This step is crucial because the banana stem releases ethylene gas—a natural compound that accelerates ripening in fruit.

Finally, hang the bunch of bananas so they are suspended in the air without touching surrounding objects. This prevents bruising and allows air to circulate evenly around the fruit. When you need a banana, simply cut one off with a knife instead of pulling it by hand.

Note: This method is not suitable for bananas with cracked or damaged peels, as they spoil more quickly.

Use Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil for Refrigeration

Another effective method is to wrap bananas before storing them in the refrigerator. First, wash and dry the bananas thoroughly and allow them to air-dry in a cool place. Separate each banana from the bunch to make storage easier.

Wrap each banana individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This helps slow down ripening, prevents the bananas from becoming mushy, and reduces browning. While the peel may still darken slightly, the fruit inside will remain firm and flavorful for a longer time.

Preserve Peeled Bananas with Orange or Lemon Juice

For ripe bananas that have already been peeled, citrus juice can help maintain freshness. Orange juice or lemon juice contains natural acids that slow down oxidation—the process responsible for browning.

Lightly brush a thin layer of orange or lemon juice over the surface of the peeled banana. If the bananas are sliced, simply add a few drops of citrus juice and gently mix to coat all pieces evenly. Store the bananas in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.

Peeled bananas should be consumed as soon as possible, but this method can help extend their usability by several hours or even a day.

Note: The citrus juice may slightly alter the flavor of the bananas.

Freeze Bananas for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store bananas for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Frozen bananas are perfect for smoothies, baking, or desserts.

Peel the bananas and leave them whole or cut them into slices, depending on your preference. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and store them in the freezer. Frozen bananas can last for several months without significant loss of quality.

Important Storage Tip

Always keep bananas away from other fruits—especially those that release large amounts of ethylene gas, such as avocados, peaches, tomatoes, and apples. Storing them separately will help slow down ripening and keep bananas fresh longer.