Bananas often turn brown and mushy before you can finish them, and unfortunately, it’s a food waste problem many Brits face. Luckily, new advice from experts suggests there’s a simple way to keep them fresh for up to two weeks longer, saving money and reducing food waste.
This clever trick involves a simple kitchen item that many people already have at home or can easily buy for £1 to £1.50 from most supermarkets. Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process, according a waste management expert at Wheeldon Brothers. “Wrapping the stems in foil slows this process significantly,” they said.
“Once they’re fully ripe, putting them in the fridge stops them from ripening further – without affecting the quality of the fruit.”
The technique works by preventing the ethylene gas from reaching the rest of the fruit.
After bananas are fully ripe, placing them in the fridge helps keep the fruit from ripening any further, ensuring they stay fresh for longer.
But there’s a key detail to remember, as the expert pointed out that this trick only works once bananas are fully ripe.
“Storing unripe bananas in the fridge can negatively impact their taste and texture,” the expert warned.
A common concern among banana lovers is that refrigeration causes the fruit to go bad, but experts say this isn’t the case.
“The brown skin often makes people think the bananas have gone bad,” the expert stated. “But the inside stays delicious.”
“This is an easy way to cut down on food waste and get the most out of your groceries.”
So, don’t be put off by the peel, as the fruit inside is perfectly good to eat and doesn’t taste or look any different.
“This simple hack is a great example of how small changes can help families save money and reduce waste,” added the waste management specialist.
“By rethinking how we store everyday foods like bananas, we can all do our part in making life more sustainable.”