Bananas will stay firm for ‘15 days’ when stored in 1 location – not fruit bowl
Bananas will keep fresh for 15 days with three clever storage hacks recommended by an expert.
Bananas, along with other fruits such as berries, are one of the most commonly wasted fruits in the UK. They often turn brown and mushy just days after being purchased from the supermarket. This can be incredibly frustrating, wasting money and contributing to food waste.
According to experts, a few simple storage tips could keep them fresh 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.”
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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 experts 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.”
Make sure to keep bananas separate from other fruits, too, as this could accelerate ripening.
Hang bananas
A fruit bowl may seem convenient, but it’s not ideal for bananas. Letting them rest on hard surfaces or bunching them together often causes bruising, which leads to spoilage.
The experts 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
Popping 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 said: “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.
