Keep bananas fresh for 15 days with this simple TikTok trick

Bananas hold a special place in our hearts, revered for their rich nutritional benefits that vary with ripeness. We all have preferences, from green and firm to sweet and overripe. Although we might opt for unripe bananas, thinking they'll last longer, they often end up with brown spots faster than anticipated. While such bananas still have their uses in baking or making pancakes, there's a strategy to keep them firm for over 15 days.

The best ideas are often the simplest, especially in the kitchen. Dustin Hadley, known on TikTok as @that40yearguy, shared a trick to extend bananas' freshness. He observed significant differences by submerging just the stems of a bunch in water for 12 days alongside a control group left out of water. The bananas in the water ripened but remained firm and developed fewer brown spots than those left dry, which deteriorated rapidly.

This technique is especially effective for green, unripe bananas, ensuring they remain in prime condition for over 15 days. Wrapping the stems in plastic wrap is another method that yields similar results.

• Green bananas are firm, less sweet, high in starch, and lower in sugar, making them great for those on a diet or managing diabetes. The light green variety is slightly sweeter and easier to digest.
• Yellow bananas are at peak ripeness, spot-free, and sweet. They're rich in carbohydrates and fiber, providing a quick sense of fullness. They're particularly recommended for children and healing after illnesses. Stored in a cool, dark place, they ripen slowly.
• Brown bananas are the sweetest, with very soft flesh. They can serve as a natural sweetener in cakes, shakes, and pancakes and are incredibly easy to digest.