The bananas They are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Not only are they delicious and versatile, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits thanks to their high nutritional value. Rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain cardiovascular health, bananas are an excellent option for those looking to improve their diet. Furthermore, they are a natural source of carbohydratesproviding energy on a physical and mental level.
On the other hand, bananas contain antioxidants and vitaminssuch as vitamin C and B6, which are crucial for the functioning of the immune system and for the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. However, it is important to store this fruit properly to maximize its freshness and flavor. Many people make the mistake of store bananas in the refrigeratorwhich can affect its texture and sweetness. To fully enjoy the benefits of this fruit, it is best to keep them at room temperature and away from direct light. This way, they can mature properly.
How to preserve bananas?
It is common for many people to store bananas in the refrigerator, as it is believed that this slows down their ripening and allows them to be preserved for longer. However, this practice can be counterproductive, since low temperatures negatively affect its flavor and texturepreventing them from reaching their optimal ripening point.
It is best to leave the bananas in a cool place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Although it is common to place them in a fruit bowl, this is not the best option either. This is due to the presence of ethylene, a gas emitted by certain fruits, such as apples and tomatoes, which accelerates the ripening process. As a result, bananas can spoil more quickly if they come into contact with these fruits.
The ideal is to store bananas in a pantry or in a cool and dark placeavoiding putting them in the refrigerator or leaving them in the fruit bowl, so that they can mature naturally and stay in good condition for longer.
The aluminum foil trick
For slow down the ripening of bananaswrap the stem of each with a small piece of aluminum foil. This method is effective because the stem is where the fruit receives oxygen and releases ethylene, a gas that accelerates ripening.
By covering the stem, decreases ethylene releasewhich helps keep bananas fresher longer. This simple technique can prolong the shelf life of bananas and allow them to be preserved better and for longer, preventing them from becoming overripe quickly.
Can they be frozen?
Freeze bananas It is a good way to maintain its freshness and make the most of its flavor. This technique is ideal when you have ripe bananas that you are not going to eat that day, or the next day.
- Choose bananas in good condition, avoiding those with dark spots or soft areas. If you opt for ripe bananas, make sure they are just right to avoid deterioration in the freezer.
- Start by washing the bananas with water to remove residue and dirt. Then dry them with a towel.
- You can freeze them in several ways: whole, peeled or sliced. If you choose to freeze them whole, cut off the ends and place them in a freezer bag. For the slices, try to make them one to two centimeters long.
- Place the bananas in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- If you prefer slices, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour before transferring them to the bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Remember to remove air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags with the freeze date to track how long they are in the freezer. Bananas will maintain their quality for around six months.
Don’t pull the threads!
The banana threadsknown as “fiber threads”, are usually thrown away when peeling the fruit, but they are actually edible and offer a multitude of nutritional benefits.
These threads are a form of fiber present in banana pulpessential for a balanced diet. Fiber promotes digestion and contributes to intestinal health. Therefore, by keeping the threads you enrich the texture of the fruit and, in addition, you take advantage of its healthy properties.
Likewise, the threads are loaded with antioxidants which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while preventing premature aging of the skin and cells. In the kitchen, preserving threads can improve your recipes. In smoothies, they add creaminess, while in desserts they intensify flavor and moisture. With this in mind, when peeling a banana, leave those threads behind and enjoy its benefits!
