THE bananas They are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Not only are they delicious and versatile, but they also offer many 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 a great option for those looking to improve their diet. In addition, they are a natural source of carbohydratesproviding energy on a physical and mental level.
On the other hand, bananas contain antioxidants and vitaminssuch as vitamins C and B6, which are essential for the functioning of the immune system and 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 softness. To fully enjoy the benefits of this fruit, it is best to store them at room temperature and away from direct light. This way, they can ripen properly.
How to store 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 last longer. However, this practice can be counterproductive, as low temperatures negatively affect its flavor and texturepreventing them from reaching their optimum ripening point.
It is best to leave 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 some 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.
Ideally, bananas should be stored in a pantry or in a cool, dark placeavoiding putting them in the refrigerator or leaving them in the fruit bowl, so that they can ripen 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 it is in the stem that the fruit receives oxygen and releases ethylene, a gas that accelerates ripening.
By covering the stem, decreases ethylene releasewhich helps keep bananas fresher for longer. This simple technique can extend the shelf life of bananas and help them stay fresher and longer, preventing them from ripening too quickly.
Can they be frozen?
Freezing bananas This is a great way to keep them fresh and enjoy their flavor to the fullest. This technique is ideal when you have ripe bananas that you are not going to eat that day or the next.
- Choose bananas that are in good condition, avoiding those with brown spots or soft areas. If you opt for ripe bananas, make sure they are just ripe to avoid them going bad 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 a number of ways: whole, peeled, or sliced. If you choose to freeze them whole, cut off the ends and place them in a freezer bag. For slices, try to make them one to two centimeters long.
- Place 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 keeps them from sticking together. Remember to remove the air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags with the date of freezing to know how long they will last in the freezer. Bananas will keep their quality for about six months.
Do not pull on the wires!
THE banana soncalled “fiber threads,” are usually discarded 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 to a balanced diet. Fiber promotes digestion and contributes to intestinal health. Thus, by keeping the threads, you enrich the texture of the fruit and, in addition, you benefit from its healthy properties.
Similarly, threads are responsible for antioxidants which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while preventing premature aging of skin and cells. In the kitchen, keeping the strings can improve your recipes. In smoothies, they add creaminess, while in desserts, they intensify flavor and moisture. With this in mind, when you peel a banana, leave those strings behind and enjoy its benefits!
