Bananas are a popular choice for many Brits, but the fruit is also known for going off quickly. However, there are a few simple tricks you can use to try and make them last longer
Bananas are a beloved snack for many Brits, offering a sweet, nutritious treat that can keep hunger at bay. They’re versatile too, perfect for breakfast, spread on toast or as an afternoon nibble. However, the downside to these tasty fruits is their tendency to spoil quickly due to rapid ripening.
Depending on when you buy them, they might only last a few days – but there are tricks to extend their shelf life. There are several ways to make your bananas last longer, and one simple change to your storage method could add up to a week to their lifespan.
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The key is where you keep them, according to expert advice. Mimi Morley, senior recipe developer at HelloFresh, said: “Whether you prefer a green or a yellow banana, placing them in a cool environment once they have reached your preferred level of ripeness can help prolong their shelf life.
“Whilst the skin will continue to brown, the flesh of the banana will remain the same and can extend shelf life by up to one week.”
This straightforward tip can make a significant difference. Typically, bananas fare best at room temperature, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Additionally, they should be kept out of direct sunlight. Ideally, they should be placed on a countertop, and not stored in the fridge.
This is due to the fact that it can darken their skin and cause the fruit inside to lose its texture. If you’re keen on slowing down the ripening process, some suggest wrapping the banana stems in cling film.
Moreover, there’s another trick you can employ to extend their lifespan. Wrapping their stems in cling film or tin foil can help slow down the release of ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening.
For even better results, experts suggest wrapping each stem individually and separating the bananas from the bunch. This method could potentially enhance results.
Some also recommend hanging bananas. This is because when the fruit is hung, the ethylene gas works more slowly. It can also prevent them from bruising on the worktop, which they’re more likely to do as they continue to ripen.
Unbeknown to many, you can also purchase a fruit basket with a built-in hook, or a small under-cabinet hook, specifically designed for bananas.
Regardless of the method you choose, it can help keep your bananas at room temperature while they ripen on the hook. Moreover, purchasing green bananas can also aid in extending their shelf life.
This is because if you opt for the greenest bananas you can find, you’ll be able to observe them ripen slowly. Instead of selecting a bunch that looks perfectly ripe, choosing a green bunch will allow you to do more with them later on.
