Bananas are one of the most commonly wasted fruits in the UK, but a few simple storage tips could keep them fresh for up to 15 days, according to experts
Bananas, alongside other fruits like berries, typically rank among the most frequently binned produce in Britain. They frequently become brown and soft within just a few days of being purchased from the shop.
This proves incredibly annoying, squandering cash and adding to food waste. According to specialists, a handful of straightforward storage tricks could maintain their freshness for 15 days.
An expert at Wheeldon Brothers said: “Bananas spoil so quickly because they continue to ripen rapidly after being harvested. But with the right storage methods, you can extend their shelf life significantly and avoid throwing them in the bin permanently.”
Wrap the stems
The stems of bananas are where most of the ethylene gas is released, and covering can help slow down the ripening process.
The specialists said: “Wrapping the stems in cling film, foil, or even reusable beeswax wraps reduces the emission of ethylene gas and delays the ripening process. It’s a small but effective hack to extend the life of your fruit.”
Ensure you keep bananas away from other produce, too, as this might speed up ripening.
Hang bananas
A fruit bowl might appear practical, but it’s far from perfect for bananas. Allowing them to sit on hard surfaces or clustering them together frequently results in bruising, which triggers spoilage.
The specialists said: “Hanging bananas keeps them from bruising and also reduces contact with ethylene, which is heavier than air. It’s a clever way to keep the bananas firmer and more visually appealing for longer.”
If you don’t have a banana hanger, a hook under a kitchen cupboard or a hanging fruit basket works just as well.
Put them in the fridge
Storing bananas in the fridge often gets a bad reputation because it causes the skin to turn brown or black. However, the inside of the fruit stays perfect.
The experts stated: “There’s a misconception that refrigeration ruins bananas. But it’s only the peel that discolours. The fruit inside remains fresh and edible. In fact, refrigeration can help bananas last up to 15 days.”
Keep them in a paper bag or breathable container to avoid soggy fruit.