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Bananas Stored Below 56°F Stay Green, Slow Sugar Spikes

6/27/2026

Summary

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Jonathan Crane, a retired specialist at the University of Florida, said immature-harvested bananas stay green because they do not fully ripen.
He warned that storage below 56 °F causes chilling injury that blocks ripening and advised keeping bananas between 56 and 59 °F.
Manaker said green bananas have more resistant starch that digests slowly and may ease blood-sugar spikes, while ripe bananas are sweeter, though both provide potassium and vitamins.

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Story summary

Jonathan Crane, a retired specialist at the University of Florida, said immature-harvested bananas stay green because they do not fully ripen.
He warned that storage below 56 °F causes chilling injury that blocks ripening and advised keeping bananas between 56 and 59 °F.
Manaker said green bananas have more resistant starch that digests slowly and may ease blood-sugar spikes, while ripe bananas are sweeter, though both provide potassium and vitamins.