As a popular and healthy fruit, bananas can quickly become overripe and develop a rotten, black appearance after just a few days of sitting on the kitchen counter. However, with a simple method, you can extend their shelf life and prevent them from spoiling too quickly. In this article, we will explore a technique that will help you keep your bananas fresh for a longer time.
The Problem with Rotten Bananas
Bananas are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen even after they are harvested. As they ripen, bananas produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up the ripening process. This is why bananas can go from green to yellow to brown and black in just a few days, especially in warm temperatures.
When bananas become overripe, their texture changes, becoming mushy and soft. The skin may turn brown or black, and the fruit inside may have a fermented smell and taste. This can be unappealing to eat, and many people end up discarding overripe bananas, resulting in food waste.
The Method to Extend Banana Shelf Life
To extend the shelf life of your bananas and prevent them from becoming rotten and black too quickly, you can use a intriguing technique.
Storing Bananas
Preserving bananas far beyond their typical temporal confines may appear quixotic, but with the right strategies, it transcends into the realm of possibility. Initially, secure your desired quantity of bananas and gently scrub their skin with a toothbrush and a dash of baking soda. After a thorough rinse and patting them dry, remove both ends of the bananas, slice them into two-finger-thick pieces without peeling, and set aside.
Crafting a Haven for Bananas in Glass Jars
Proceed to acquire one or more glass jars (approximately 700ml in size) and layer the following ingredients in the specified sequence: a bay leaf, two cloves of garlic or two whole cloves, two slices of chili pepper, a teaspoon each of coriander seeds, dill seeds, and a pepper mixture (encompassing white, black, green, and pink pepper, alongside allspice).
Now, introduce the banana slices (around a dozen should comfortably inhabit a jar of the aforementioned size), followed by an additional two or three slices of chili pepper. Subsequent additions should include a teaspoon of sugar, one and a half teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon of 70% vinegar, and a moderate amount of hot water.
Concluding the Preservation Process: Sterilization and Storage
Prior to integrating any unprocessed ingredients, ensure they are sterilized adequately. Once the jar is meticulously packed with all the components, it should be sealed tightly to prevent air ingress, then stored in a cool place for two years.