Bananas

Where should we store our bananas? Should bananas be stored on the counter or in the refrigerator? There are many fruits and vegetables that have me thinking, where is the best place to store these, whether garlic or onion, apples and even bananas. See my results of storing bananas with different scenarios and judge to see which one is best for you. As for bananas, did you know that in the United States, Hawaii seems like the front runner in producing over 6 million pounds of bananas in a year, followed by Florida. These two states have tropical climates and are wet, so bananas thrive in these environments. India has beaten every country by producing the most bananas in the world at over 29 million tons in one year, with China producing almost 12 million tons. That’s a lot of darn bananas!!

Let’s take a look at some aspects of bananas on how bananas contribute to overall health and wellness, selecting the best bananas and where should we store our bananas? I will give you my top five dishes made with bananas and also walk you through the steps in making Banana Foster?

Health Benefits of Bananas

Do bananas have any health benefits? Bananas are a great source of potassium and rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Bananas can aid in lowering blood pressure, digestion and even bloating. Health experts encourage consumers to eat a banana each day, but if there are some health issues related to potassium or carbohydrates, you might want to avoid eating bananas. Speak with your health care physician regarding any concerns you may have.

How to Select the Best Bananas

The color of the banana is most important. If you happen to see mostly black spots all over your banana, maybe you mistakenly chose a plantain. If so, put it back where you got it from and start over. Your banana should be a bright yellow color and firm to the touch. Check to see that there is no opening in the sides slits or the top of the banana. Most likely you would see those annoying fruit flies if this were to happen.

Refrigerator vs. Counter

Storing our bananas is actually optional as with many other fruits. There are two ways you can store your bananas. In the refrigerator or on the counter. So, what is the difference between the two, does it matter? Yes, it matters!. I took a little test to see exactly how my bananas would look, feel and taste after experimenting with different storage methods. Let’s take a peek.

Refrigerated Bananas

Bananas are nice and cold.
Once bananas are ripe, refrigeration can extend life.
Can last 7 – 10 days in the refrigerator.

Takes longer to ripen, if unripe.
Skin turns totally black in color.

Counter Bananas

Room temperature bananas.
No skin discoloration at the start of the ripening stage.
Shelf life = one week.

Ripens too quick.
Promotes fruit flies.

One method to increase shelf life is to tie plastic wrap or aluminum foil around the stem of the banana until ready to use. This method worked pretty well but it was somewhat baffling because it was within the ripening stage time frame.

In conclusion with my banana experiment, if bananas are ripened, this is the timeframe of when they should be placed in the refrigerator. Basically, using both methods (counter top) during the ripening process and (refrigerated) after the ripening process can be beneficial to having a longer lasting banana.

What are my top five dishes made with bananas? What are yours?

Banana Foster – check out my cooking method below.
Banana Pancakes
Banana Pudding
Banana Smoothie
Banana w/ Frosted Flakes -I’m not sure if this counts, but this is my favorite on the go breakfast combination, and of course with milk.

Making Banana Foster?

Equipment
Non-stick skillet – used to make your Banana Foster.
Rubber spatula – to stir your sauce around bananas.
Chef’s knife – used to cut your bananas into sauce.
Custard cups – to place all measured ingredients.
Disher (Ice cream scooper) – to scoop equal portions of a food product (ice cream).
Butane Cooking Torch – to brown the top of foods. Used as a cooking torch.
Wine glass – the Banana Foster was placed into these wine glasses, for an appealing look.
Small ladle – to scoop out liquids and the caramelized bananas, to pour onto ice cream.
Large Serving Spoon – to remove foods with liquids. (just in case you do not have a small ladle.)

Ingredients
Bananas, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, dark rum, vanilla ice cream (any flavor works well) and one secret ingredient, which can be found in “ Aunt Carmen’s Family Favorites” cookbook. Available soon on Amazon.

Step One – Prepare all of your ingredients, tools and equipment needed. This is everything that will be needed from start to finish for your Banana Foster. Make sure that your butane cooking torch has butane gas or you will not get the full effect of making Banana Foster.

Step Two – Add butter, cinnamon and sugar until it comes together. Stir continuously. During this process, keep stirring and flame low to medium, to prevent the brown sugar, cinnamon and butter from forming into one ball. Once combined, add bananas, move bananas around sauce using a rubber spatula.

Step Three – Add bananas to the caramelized brown sugar and butter sauce. Coat bananas completely with sauce. Move quickly to prevent the bananas from softening. Add liquid ingredients.

Step Four – Prepare and be careful using the butane cooking torch, this is the time that you set this Banana Foster on fire. Stay back and once again, be extremely careful using the butane cooking torch.

Step Five – Prepare your wine glasses with two scoops of ice cream.

Step Six – Once flame dies down, use a small ladle to scoop your banana with sauce onto your ice cream. Add your favorite topping, nuts, cherries or both.