Genius Hacks For Keeping Bananas Fresh While Traveling

Bananas are arguably one of the easiest foods that you can bring on a trip. They're convenient to travel with, and are also one of several foods that can help fight altitude sickness. Each banana comes in its own packaging, doesn't need to be refrigerated, is fairly portable, and, unlike unsavory airplane food, you know where it came from. Not to mention, bananas are nutritious, full of natural sugars, potassium, and some fiber. Unfortunately, they're easy to bruise when shoved into a backpack and get brown quickly. Here's what you can do about it.

First, let's tackle browning. This happens due to a process called enzymatic browning, which begins when farmers cut the stem from the tree. The raw stems release ethylene into the air, which then reacts with the oxygen in the air. The food industry has tried many methods to keep fruits like bananas pristine, including anti-browning agents and sulfites, which are now restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Organic foods, including bananas, don't have these coatings, which is why organic farms need to turn to other methods for keeping food fresh. Believe it or not, these same methods can help you out while traveling.

Have you ever wondered why organic bananas always have that plastic wrapped around the stems? Enzymatic browning is why. Wrapping tin foil or plastic wrap around your banana stems prevents browning by trapping the ethylene gas, delaying the breakdown of the cells. With this method, you might get a few extra days out of your banana. Just make sure that you're not sticking it next to other ethylene-producing fruits like apples.

The next challenge for keeping your bananas fresh is bruising. A bruised area on a banana can also release ethylene, so protecting your banana with a hard case like Tupperware is a great option. Just make sure that you wrap it in something soft as well if there's room for it to jiggle around. If you travel often with bananas, it may make sense to purchase a banana keeper, which is a banana-shaped case meant to protect your fruit on the go. These come in BPA-free options and are great for everyday life, not just travel.

In the absence of packing materials, make sure to arrange your things strategically. Bananas should be placed at the top of your bag, preferably in a pocket that is not overstuffed, where they won't be squished by sharp or rigid objects. Consider wrapping it in a soft cloth, and avoid keeping it in direct sunlight, as that can also speed up the ripening process.

No matter what you do, it's inevitable that your banana will eventually ripen. If you need those bananas to last long, consider bringing a few green or slightly underripe options. There are other ways to sneak in more fruits and veggies while you're traveling, like maybe turning that banana into a smoothie. If you just want a whole banana, though, handle it gently, use protective padding and a hard case when you can, and indulge early. Travel is unpredictable, so you never really know when you'll be able to split open that peel.