Overview

• Choose loose bananas at the store and skip plastic or perforated bags, which trap ethylene and can cause browning within a day or two.
• Place bananas on a cool, dry countertop away from sunlight, moisture, and heat sources such as ovens or warm appliances.
• Avoid the fruit bowl and give bananas space or hang them so air can circulate around the fruit.
• Separate individual bananas and wrap their stems with plastic wrap or cling film to slow ethylene movement from the stem.
• Move bananas to the refrigerator once they reach desired ripeness to extend their usable life to about two weeks, noting the peel may darken while the inside remains fine.