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Food and Entertaining
Food Preparation
Food Preservation Techniques
10 Ways to Keep Sliced Bananas from Turning Brown Download Article Keep your banana slices yellow, fresh, and tasty with these easy kitchen tricks Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Keep sliced banana fresh with soda water. 2 Coat the banana slices with mildly flavored oils. 3 Cover the banana slices in fruit juice. 4 Sprinkle citric acid over the slices to preserve freshness. 5 Sweeten and keep bananas fresh with honey. 6 Dip banana slices in vinegar to preserve freshness. 7 Dissolve Vitamin C in water to slow browning. 8 Cover or store sliced bananas to limit air exposure. 9 Soak already browned slices in pineapple or grapefruit juice. 10 Turn discolored banana slices into a banana treat. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 929,025 times.
You’re about to serve a delicious fruit salad when you look down to find your sliced bananas have turned brown. You’ve only just cut them! What happened? Like many fruits, bananas are prone to oxidation.[1]XResearch source This means that when the flesh of the banana is left out for too long, it’ll turn brown. Thankfully, we have the best tips and tricks to keep a sliced banana from discoloring so your banana desserts and dishes look absolutely perfect.
Best Ways to Keep Cut Bananas Fresh
Cover banana slices in lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, or apple juice to add a sweet flavor and keep them from oxidizing.
Store cut bananas in an air-tight container to reduce the amount of oxygen they touch.
Try sprinkling a fruit preservation powder on the bananas for quick protection.
Steps
1
Keep sliced banana fresh with soda water.
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Soda water helps preserve fruit without altering the taste. Like fruit juice, soda water creates a protective barrier between the fruit’s flesh and the air, slowing oxidation. The bonus? It doesn’t change the taste of the bananas! This makes it an ideal hack for picky eaters. Simply sprinkle some of the soda over the bananas or soak them for a couple of minutes before serving.[2]XResearch source
Be sure to use soda water or club soda. Tonic water, a very similar beverage, has a strong flavor that doesn't pair well with bananas.
Advertisement 2
Coat the banana slices with mildly flavored oils.
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Coconut, sunflower, and grapeseed oil prevent the enzymatic browning of the slices. Studies have also shown that this process helps preserve essential vitamins and flavor in the fruit, since oil coats the fruit and inhibits the oxidation (or "browning") process.[3]X Expert Source Ollie George CiglianoPrivate Chef & Food EducatorExpert Interview
3
Cover the banana slices in fruit juice.
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The acidity in fruit juice forms a protective layer on sliced bananas. Although the type of juice you use will change the taste of your banana, it will also keep it from turning brown. Try using lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, or apple juices. Buy a 100% juice, fruit concentrate, or squeeze your own and then sprinkle it on top of the slices.[4]XResearch source
Lemon juice is the most commonly used juice for this hack and adds a subtle, complementary tang to your fruit.
If you’re making a fruit salad, consider tossing all the cut fruits in the juice. Pick a juice that brightens the salad, like pineapple or grapefruit.
Some users of this hack prefer diluting the juice with a 1 to 1 ratio of water, so it doesn’t have such a strong flavor; however, this can weaken the acidity and cause the bananas to brown.
Advertisement 4
Sprinkle citric acid over the slices to preserve freshness.
Download Article
Fruit preservation powders use citric acid to keep sliced fruit from oxidizing. These powders are specifically designed to keep your sliced banana from turning brown. Basically, the powder is a dried-up version of the citric acid found in lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges. All you have to do is put your banana slices in a bowl of water and follow the instructions on the back of the packaging, adding the right amount of powder to water ratio. Let them soak for 3 to 5 minutes and drain.[5]XResearch source
These powders typically have no taste, but some argue that adding too much could alter the taste of the fruit.
5
Sweeten and keep bananas fresh with honey.
Download Article
A honey and water mixture can help prevent sliced bananas from turning brown. The honey technique works similarly to the acidity in fruit; however, it leaves behind a much sweeter taste and stickier texture. Combine 2 tbsp (28 g) with 1 c (128 g) of water, then pour the mixture over the banana slices.[6]XResearch source
Try adding cinnamon or brown sugar to the mixture for an extra sweet snack.
Advertisement 6
Dip banana slices in vinegar to preserve freshness.
Download Article
Diluted vinegar can slow the process of oxidation of sliced fruit. Just like fruit juice, vinegar coats the fruit with an acidic barrier. Simply add 2 tsp (8.4 g) of vinegar to 1 c (250 g) of water and dip your slices in. Although this is similar to the fruit juice hack, it tastes like anything but. If the vinegar makes your bananas taste too sour, try rinsing them before eating.[7]XResearch source
7
Dissolve Vitamin C in water to slow browning.
Download Article
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a natural food preserving agent. When mixed with water, it can help prevent your banana slices from browning as it blocks air from getting to the fruit. Buy the product in a powder or tablet form (double check that it’s food safe) and follow the instructions on the packet. Once the powder or tablet is dissolved in water, place the banana slices into the solution for 3 to 5 minutes, drain, and then serve.[8]XResearch source
The ascorbic acid may leave a slightly bitter, acidic flavor on your bananas, so consider this trick when using sliced bananas to decorate desserts. This way, the difference in taste won’t be as noticeable among the other ingredients.
Advertisement 8
Cover or store sliced bananas to limit air exposure.
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Place banana slices between wax paper or put them in an air-tight container. The fruit flesh of a banana will start to oxidize the second you remove the peel. If you move quickly enough, you can get them into another means of storage before they turn an ugly, mushy brown. Toss the bananas into a container with a lid to place in the fridge, or lay the slices evenly in between 2 sheets of wax paper before putting in the fridge or freezer.[9]XResearch source
Try adding lemon juice or citric acid to the slices before storing them in a container or between wax paper, so they last even longer.
With an added layer of lemon juice or citric acid, bananas can last 3 to 4 days stored this way.
9
Soak already browned slices in pineapple or grapefruit juice.
Download Article
The acidity of pineapple and grapefruit juice could revive browned bananas. Dump the discolored banana into a bowl and cover them with juice for 10 to 15 minutes. They won’t turn their original pale yellow color, but they’ll look fresher and more delicious.[10]XResearch source
Advertisement 10
Turn discolored banana slices into a banana treat.
Download Article
Browned bananas make delicious banana breads, pancakes, and cakes. If all else fails and your sliced bananas don’t look too appetizing to eat, consider baking something yummy where the color doesn’t matter! Mash up the banana slices in a bowl and whip up a batter. You’ll still be eating your banana, just in a different way![11]XResearch source
Community Q&A
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Question Should I blot extra juice off the bananas when making banana cream pie? Community Answer Yes, because too much extra water can cause your pie to crumble excessively. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28
Question Can I use the juice from oranges? Community Answer Yes, any citrus juice should help with discoloration. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 20
Question After lightly brushing cut bananas with lemon juice they got mushy. Why does this happen? How else can I prevent bananas from turning brown in recipes? Community Answer Instead of brushing, try spritzing with a dollar store sprayer. Brushing might be adding too much fluid and thus soaking the bananas. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 18
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Tips
Consider storing ripened bananas in the fridge until you want to slice them. The cold temperature will slow the ripening process and help them last longer. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
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Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 929,025 times. 26 votes - 77% Co-authors: 19Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 929,025 Categories: Food Preservation Techniques | BananasArticle SummaryX
To keep sliced bananas from discoloring, dip the banana slices into fruit juice, like lemon juice, orange juice, apple juice, or lime juice. If you're worried about the fruit juice affecting the taste of the banana, you can dip the slices in soda water or club soda instead. Even just dipping the slices in tap water can help prevent discoloring, although it may not be as effective as using fruit juice or soda water. To learn other remedies you can try, like diluted vinegar and citric acid, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Bobbie Avery
Feb 22, 2017
"It was great to see how to keep bananas from browning after slicing. I did remember this tip correctly. Thanks for the backup."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator 26 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 19Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 929,025
Bobbie Avery
Feb 22, 2017
"It was great to see how to keep bananas from browning after slicing. I did remember this tip correctly. Thanks for the backup."..." more
Anonymous
May 4, 2017
"Using juices other than lemon to keep the color of bananas. Especially ground vitamin C tabs. Worked great!"
Anabel Guttierez
Jun 4, 2017
"The thing that helped the most was when you added the fruit juice steps."
Jamey Durham
Sep 19, 2016
"Pineapple juice worked wonderfully, did not affect the taste. So simple."
Judy Coy
Aug 22, 2016
"Great article! It gave me several options. It will be very helpful." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Keep your banana slices yellow, fresh, and tasty with these easy kitchen tricks Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Keep sliced banana fresh with soda water. 2 Coat the banana slices with mildly flavored oils. 3 Cover the banana slices in fruit juice. 4 Sprinkle citric acid over the slices to preserve freshness. 5 Sweeten and keep bananas fresh with honey. 6 Dip banana slices in vinegar to preserve freshness. 7 Dissolve Vitamin C in water to slow browning. 8 Cover or store sliced bananas to limit air exposure. 9 Soak already browned slices in pineapple or grapefruit juice. 10 Turn discolored banana slices into a banana treat. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano 
How to Stop Bananas from Turning Brown Too Quickly 
How toStore Bananas 
Easy and Effective Ways to Keep Cut Pears Fresh and Avoid Browning 
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Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 929,025 times. 26 votes - 77% Co-authors: 19 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 929,025 Categories: Food Preservation Techniques | Bananas Article SummaryX
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Soda water helps preserve fruit without altering the taste. Like fruit juice, soda water creates a protective barrier between the fruit’s flesh and the air, slowing oxidation. The bonus? It doesn’t change the taste of the bananas! This makes it an ideal hack for picky eaters. Simply sprinkle some of the soda over the bananas or soak them for a couple of minutes before serving.[2] 
The acidity in fruit juice forms a protective layer on sliced bananas. Although the type of juice you use will change the taste of your banana, it will also keep it from turning brown. Try using lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, or apple juices. Buy a 100% juice, fruit concentrate, or squeeze your own and then sprinkle it on top of the slices.[4] 
Diluted vinegar can slow the process of oxidation of sliced fruit. Just like fruit juice, vinegar coats the fruit with an acidic barrier. Simply add 2 tsp (8.4 g) of vinegar to 1 c (250 g) of water and dip your slices in. Although this is similar to the fruit juice hack, it tastes like anything but. If the vinegar makes your bananas taste too sour, try rinsing them before eating.[7] 
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a natural food preserving agent. When mixed with water, it can help prevent your banana slices from browning as it blocks air from getting to the fruit. Buy the product in a powder or tablet form (double check that it’s food safe) and follow the instructions on the packet. Once the powder or tablet is dissolved in water, place the banana slices into the solution for 3 to 5 minutes, drain, and then serve.[8] 
Browned bananas make delicious banana breads, pancakes, and cakes. If all else fails and your sliced bananas don’t look too appetizing to eat, consider baking something yummy where the color doesn’t matter! Mash up the banana slices in a bowl and whip up a batter. You’ll still be eating your banana, just in a different way![11] 
Community Answer Yes, because too much extra water can cause your pie to crumble excessively. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28 
Community Answer Yes, any citrus juice should help with discoloration. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 20 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.