What Does a Banana Hook Do

Turns out there’s a scientific reason you should be hanging your bananas from a hook. Bananas start ripening as soon as they’re picked from trees—ethylene gas releases from the stems as soon as they’re picked, but when you hang bananas from a hook, the gas works more slowly.

Does separating bananas slow the ripening?

Ethylene gas is naturally released through the stems of the bananas. Separating, and especially covering the end of the stems, should contain the release of this gas, thereby slowing the rate of ripening.

What is the best way to store bananas?

Bananas are tropical fruits, and, in general, tropical fruits don’t handle cold storage well. That’s why the best way to store bananas is at room temperature, not in the fridge, especially when they’re green and not yet ripened.