Plantains have a short shelf life as they tend to ripen quickly. If you want to delay the ripening process, there are a few tricks you can try. One effective way is to store them in a cool and dry place. The cold temperature slows down the ripening process, which will give you some extra time to use them. Additionally, keeping plantains away from exposure to sunlight and heat can also help in preventing them from ripening too fast. Another method is to separate the plantains and wrap the stem area with cling film. This stops the release of a natural hormone that encourages ripening. You can also put unripe plantains in a paper bag along with some apples or bananas. The naturally occurring gas from the fruits will slow down the ripening process. By following these tips, you can effectively prolong the shelf life of plantains and prevent them from ripening too soon.