Tips for buying, storing and using bananas — even their peel

Bananas give us bucket loads of energy and are the perfect portable snack. Read on to get even more out of the popular fruit — from getting them to ripen quickly to why you might consider eating the peel too.

Bananas are best kept out of the fridge

Bananas grow in tropical and subtropical conditions and do not thrive in cold environments.

The enzymes that help the fruit ripen become inactive in the fridge, which is why the skin turns black. This is different to when the fruit’s skin turns black and speckled at room temperature, which indicates the fruit is ripe. 

To prolong the life of your bananas once you take them home, wrapping the tops in plastic wrap.

Alternatively, if you need a ripe banana fast there’s another trick you can try. Put your bananas in a paper bag with an avocado and that will ripen them up quickly.

Nature’s energy food

One banana can always quickly replenish your energy levels. They’re a rich source of natural carbohydrates.

Bananas are also rich in vitamins B3 and B6, which is heavily involved in energy production in the body, and also high in potassium. That’s one of the minerals that regulates blood pressure in the body and keeps the heart functioning optimally. It’s also a good source of manganese, so very important for muscle activity and recovery and relaxation in the cells.

And the peel?

Banana peel is edible and utilising it can help reduce food waste, just be sure to wash it first.

The peel is a high source of fibre and when you cook it down, you can add it to your smoothies or use it when you’re baking banana bread and muffins.

For smoothies, using half of a banana peel, which will add some fibre, bulk up the smoothie and make it a little more filling.