Bananas can go bad pretty fast, but a simple storage trick can keep them fresh for up to two weeks – and it only requires one kitchen staple that you probably have at home
Bananas are among the most wasted fruits in UK homes, often discarded as they ripen and brown too quickly. While overripe bananas are perfect for whipping up a tasty banana bread, they’re less appealing as a snack or topping for yoghurt or porridge.
However, waste management experts at Wheeldon Brothers have revealed an easy trick to keep bananas fresh for up to two weeks. In an effort to help families cut down on waste and save money, the specialists have shared some handy tips on prolonging the life of your fresh produce.
To keep your bananas ripe, you’ll need just one common kitchen item that’s likely already in your home.
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Bananas naturally emit ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening and causes those black spots to form, reports the Express.
But this process can be temporarily halted with one popular kitchen item – aluminium foil. “Wrapping the stems in foil significantly slows this process,” explained a waste management expert at Wheeldon Brothers.
“Once they’re fully ripe, putting them in the fridge stops them from ripening further – without affecting the quality of the fruit.”
This tip, initially shared on social media, only works once bananas are fully ripe. Storing unripe bananas in the fridge can adversely affect their taste and texture.
And think twice before tossing those brown bananas in the bin – experts tell us they’re still perfectly good to eat. “The brown skin often makes people think the bananas have gone bad,” one expert said, shedding light on the common misconception.
“But the inside stays delicious. This is an easy way to cut down on food waste and get the most out of your groceries.”
To keep your bananas fresher for longer, remove them from their plastic packaging, which traps ethylene gas – the ripening agent that actually keeps the fruit edible but accelerates spoiling.
Stashing bananas separately in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer prevents them from ripening too quickly. And avoid placing them next to ethylene-producing fruits like apples, as this can also speed up the rotting process.
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