Cooking For Engineers

jenming · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

So, after some searching on the internet, it seems that bananas are OK to put in the refrigerator only AFTER they they are ripe.

Some enzyme in the bananas which causes the starches to turn into sugar and ripen doesn't function after being subjected to low temperatures.

Also according to this internet knowledge, AFTER ripening, though, the bananas will keep longer in the fridge, regardless of if their peels turn brown/black.

What say you guys?

[edited because I spelled wrong. why is refrigerator spelled with no 'd', but fridge is???]

Michael Chu · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 1654 Location: Austin, TX (USA)

I didn't know that refrigerating bananas will deactivate their ripening, but I routinely put bananas in the fridge or the freezer after they have ripened. They hold their state fairly well, but the skin does turn brown/black really fast. Not pretty to look at, but the insides are great.

spikegomez · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1

Hi,
Yes for me that is true, bananas are great if it stay in fridge when ripened the taste is still nice for a longer time but the skin gets bad looking... Big smile

srhcb · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 12 Location: northern mn

I peel fully ripened bananas before I freeze them, six in a pack. (pefect for a double batch of banana bread)

They look terrible after they've thawed out, but they work great.

danicamoore · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 58 Location: Illinois

Actually though you put some bananas in ref it wont change the qualities such us taste, odor and etc. But the texture would probably change due to aging.

AnticGod · Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 5

I always store bananas in fridge even if they look terrible after they've thawed out, but they are delicious.

BostonChef · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 4

After bananas are ripe Ill put them in the freezer and then make some REALLY yummy banana bread from them Smile

Super tasty

Dude111 · Joined: 23 Sep 2010 Posts: 142

Hanson · Joined: 10 May 2011 Posts: 5

I've never put my bananas in the refrigerator although I usually try to eat them quickly so they don't go bad once they have ripened. If the cold temperature stops the ripening, could you then take them back out and they would be fine? Or would they start to ripen and go bad? I've also heard that putting them in a paper bag can help keep them longer. It has something to do with the gases the banana puts off.

liontiga · Joined: 06 Sep 2011 Posts: 1 Location: USA

I have never heard of this before, I will have to do some research on this topic, I never thought about putting bananas in the refrigerator.

Brent01 · Joined: 18 Sep 2011 Posts: 2

Been putting bananas in the refrigerator for years now. One of the best ways to keep them fresh longer. Although they are best eaten that way within a weeks time. Any longer than that, and, well, you know what happens.

vineeta2k · Joined: 25 Sep 2011 Posts: 1 Location: Cochin, Kerala

I do not understand the theory behind it but everytime I keep bananas in the refrigerator they turn black quickly and don't feel like eating. I never keep ripe bananas in fridge. Unsure

mikeyred · Joined: 13 Oct 2011 Posts: 1

Bananas always turn black in the fridge so fast! its a bummer.. lol

jqueeng02 · Joined: 18 Oct 2011 Posts: 17

I love bananas!!!Bu I don't like it being put inside the refrigerator.It tastes better when eaten directly.

Dude111 · Joined: 23 Sep 2010 Posts: 142

Yes well i reckon if you take them OUT OF THE FRIDGE and let them warm up to ROOM TEMP before eating,you will like them fine Smile