Is It Safe to Put Bananas in the Refrigerator?

Ripe bananas can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Americans love bananas, the most-eaten fruit in the country, according to the University of Nebraska Extension. Bananas grow on herbaceous plants in clusters called "hands." Each banana in a cluster is a "finger." Although more than 1,000 varieties of bananas exist, the Cavendish is the one most commonly found in U.S. stores.

History

Bananas originated in Malaysia. From there, they made their way to India, where ancient writings dating back as far as 6 B.C. mention the fruit. They landed in Madagascar, where Arabic slave traders incorporated bananas and ivory into their trade businesses. After gaining in popularity throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, bananas finally made their way into the U.S. in the 1800s.

Storage

Stores receive bananas before they've ripened. Once you get them home, they're best stored at room temperature, where they last two to three days once they've ripened. They can be stored in the refrigerator as well, but the skin darkens quickly in the cold. You can extend the shelf life of bananas by allowing them to ripen at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. The skins still darken, but the flesh remains unaffected.

Uses

The soft, milky flesh of bananas makes them a natural choice for raw eating. They're often cooked, however. Common cooking techniques include frying, roasting and broiling. Although they're delicious on their own or topped with a dessert sauce, bakers use bananas in fritters, muffins and breads. Bananas may also be added to preserves and marmalade.

Nutrition

Bananas are a rich source of potassium and vitamins A, B and C. They also provide calcium and magnesium and traces of zinc and iron. Bananas have modest levels of protein and fiber as well. Although they're high in calories compared to other fruits, the fact that they're so nutritious yet contain no fat and are low in sodium makes them a smart choice for dieters.

References

• University of Nebraska Extension; Did You Know This About Bananas?; LaDonna Werth
• Banana.com: Welcome
• Banana.com: Nutritional Benefits